very frequently lately about alone with a young man. Is this a fact?'

'What did he say about it?'

'Well, he seemed to regret it--he seemed to think it was a pity. Living
alone as you do, it certainly is not the right thing for you to be seen
anywhere without Miss Yeo.'

Hyacinth became crimson. 'On what grounds did Mr Ottley find fault with
anything I do?'

'Merely general grounds, my dear. A very proper dislike to the flighty
behaviour of the girls of the present day. As he tells me, he feels it
as a father--'

'Father! He has only a little boy of two. I think it's very impertinent
of him to talk of me like that at all.'

'On the contrary, I thought it exceedingly nice of him. He sincerely
wishes you well, Hyacinth. Oh, _how_ well that young man wishes you!
Make no mistake about it. By the way, I promised him not to mention his
name in the matter. So of course you won't repeat it. But I was really
rather upset at what he said. I haven't said anything to Sir Charles
yet, as I thought you might give me some explanation.'

'I have no explanation to give. I suppose you know who it is I was
walking with?'

'I gathered that it was a Mr Reeve. Now, Hyacinth dear, you know how
much I wish you well; if you're engaged, I think your guardian and I