He was so adorably good looking and had been such a feather in her cap, although she had never been really sure of him.

It was a mercy her conduct had always been of such an immaculate character--in public--no one could say a word.

And now she must act the dear, generous, congratulating friend.
So she had a dose of sal volatile and dressed, with extra care, to lunch at Glastonbury House.

There she might hear all the details; only Ethelrida was so superior, and uninterested in news or gossip.
There was a party of only five assembled, when she arrived--she was always a little late.

The Duke and Lady Ethelrida, Constance Radcliffe, and two men: an elderly politician, and another cousin of the family.
She could certainly chatter about Tristram, and hear all she could.
They were no sooner seated than she began: "Is not this wonderful news about your nephew, Duke?
No one expected it of him just now, though I as one of his best friends have been urging him to marry, for the last two years.