‘She keeps one or two of the other young ladies working with her,’ said Mrs. Lee; ’but if any change could be made, it would be very happy for her; though, after all, I do not see how she could leave this place, the house being family property, and Mr. White their relation, besides that Mrs. White is in no state to move; but, on the other hand, Mr. and Mrs. Stebbing know their son is after her, and the lady would not stick at believing or saying anything against her, though I will always bear witness, and so will Mr. Lee, that never was there a more good, right-minded young woman, or more prudent and guarded.’

‘So would Mr. Flight and his mother, I have no doubt.’

’Mr. Flight would, Miss Mohun, but’—–­with an odd look—–­’I fancy my lady thinks poor Kally too handsome for it to be good for a young clergyman to have much to say to her.  They have not been so cordial to them of late, but that is partly owing to poor Mrs. White’s foolish talk, and in part to young Alexis having been desultory and mopy of late—–­not taking the interest in his music he did.  Mr. Lee says he is sure some young woman is at the bottom of it.’

Miss Mohun saw her niece’s ears crimson under her hat, and was afraid Mrs. Lee would likewise see them.  They had reached the front of the house, and she made haste to take out a visiting-card and to beg Mrs. Lee kindly to give it with the basket, saying that she would not give trouble by coming to the door.

And then she turned back with Gillian, who was in a strange tumult of shame and consternation, yet withal, feeling that first strange thrill of young womanhood at finding itself capable of stirring emotion, and too much overcome by these strange sensations—–­above all by the shock of shame—–­to be able to utter a word.

I must make light of it, but not too light, thought Miss Mohun, and she broke the ice by saying, ‘Poor foolish boy——­’

‘Oh, Aunt Jane, what shall I do?’

‘Let it alone, my dear.’

’But that I should have done so much harm and upset him so’—–­in a voice betraying a certain sense of being flattered.  ’Can’t I do anything to undo it?’

’Certainly not.  To be perfectly quiet and do nothing is all you can do.  My dear, boys and young men have such foolish fits—–­more in that station than in ours, because they have none of the public school and college life which keeps people out of it.  You were the first lady this poor fellow was brought into contact with, and—–­well, you were rather a goose, and he has been a greater one; but if he is let alone, he will recover and come to his senses.  I could tell you of men who have had dozens of such fits.  I am much more interested about his sister.  What a noble girl she is!’

’Oh, isn’t she, Aunt Jane.  Quite a real heroine!  And now mamma is coming, she will know what to do for her!’

‘I hope she will, but it is a most perplexing case altogether.’