Do you think it quite prudent to keep it a secret ?" "I do not see how prudence is concerned in keeping it secret one way or the other,--it is a mere matter of feeling.

Most people wish to abridge, as far as they can, the time in which their private arrangements are the topic of public gossip." "Public gossip is sometimes the best security for the due completion of private arrangements.

As long as a girl is not known to be engaged, her betrothed must be prepared for rivals.

Announce the engagement, and rivals are warned off." "I fear no rivals." "Do you not?
Bold man! I suppose you will write to Lilian ?" "Certainly." "Do so, and constantly.

By-the-way, Mrs.Ashleigh, before she went, asked me to send her back Lady Haughton's letter of invitation.