“Indeed?”
I think she must have had some notion that I had dreamed of Miss Gascoyne as my wife, for there was an accent of kindliness in her voice.
“You have met Mr. Hibbert-Wyllie?”
“Oh, yes.” I almost gasped. Surely she was not going to tell me that Miss Gascoyne was engaged to him already.
“It will be a splendid match. She is quite the woman to take her place at the head of county society.”
“They are engaged?”
“Oh dear no, but anyone can see that there is a mutual attraction, and it is altogether so exactly suitable that we hope it will take place.”
I had never before considered Mrs. Gascoyne a fool.
Mr. Gascoyne came in soon after, and she began again. I think she believed it the kindest thing to do.
“I have just been talking to Israel about Edith and Mr. Hibbert-Wyllie.”