"There! that's your modesty that everybody rave about: I wish I could catch it. Fleda, where did you get that little Bible? While I was waiting for you I tried to soothe my restless anticipations with examining all the things in all the rooms. Where did you get it?"
"It was given me a long while ago," said Fleda.
"But it is real gold on the outside the clasps and all. Do you know it? it is not washed."
"I know it," said Fleda, smiling; "and it is better than gold inside."
"Wasn't that mamma's favourite, Mr. Olmney, that parted from you at the gate?" said Constance, after a minute's silence.
"Yes."
"Is he a favourite of yours, too?"
"You must define what you mean by a favourite," said Fleda, gravely.
"Well, how do you like him?"
"I believe everybody likes him," said Fleda, colouring, and vexed at herself that she could not help it. The bright eyes opposite her took note of the fact with a sufficiently wide- awake glance.