"Have you forgotten the hand she had in bringing about that most unfortunate marriage of Caroline Howell?"
"I had almost forgotten it. Or, rather, I never paid much attention to the rumour in regard to her interference in the matter; because, you know, people will talk."
"And to some purpose, often; at least, I am persuaded that there is truth in all that is alleged in this instance. And now that my thoughts begin to run in this way, I do really feel concerned lest the reason of Mary's frequent absence of late, in company with Mrs. Martindale, has some reference to a matter of this kind. Have you not observed some change in her of late?"
"She has not been very cheerful for the last two or three months."
"So I have once or twice thought, but supposed it was only my imagination. If this, then, be true, it is our duty to be on our guard—to watch over Mary with a careful eye, and to know particularly into what company she goes."
"I certainly agree with you that we ought to do so. Heaven grant that our watchfulness do not come too late!" Mrs. Lester said, a sudden feeling of alarm springing up in her bosom.
"It is a late hour for her to be from home, and we not apprized of where she is," the father remarked anxiously.
"It is, indeed. She has rarely stayed out later than nine o'clock."
"Who has been in the habit of coming home with her?"
"Usually Mrs. Martindale has accompanied her home, and this fact has thrown me off my guard."