"You heard what she said. Extraordinary girl! to let the thing out plump
like that. Just like the blood. They say anything that comes into their
heads. If we had known that Alice was to be with the Sowerbys this
week-end, my wife would certainly have put Kitty off. It would be
uncommonly awkward if they were to meet--here for instance. Hullo! Is it
getting late?"

For the whist-players at the end of the library had pushed back their
chairs, and men were strolling back from the billiard-room.

"I am afraid Lady Kitty understands there is something wrong with her
mother's position," said Ashe, as they rose.

"I dare say. Brought up in Paris, you see," said the white-haired
Englishman, with a shrug. "Of course, she knows everything she
shouldn't."

"Brought up in a convent, please," said Ashe, smiling. "And I thought
the French _girl_ was the most innocent and ignorant thing alive."

Lord Grosville received the remark with derision.

"You ask my wife what she thinks about French convents. She knows--she's
had lots of Catholic relations. She'll tell you tales."

Ashe thought, however, that he could trust himself to see that she did
nothing of the sort.

* * * * *