And I shall carry them the news to-night." "Will you?
Shall I allow it ?" Marsham laughed; he caught her hand again, slipped it possessively within his left arm, and held it there as they went slowly down the path.

Diana could not think with any zest of Alicia and her reception of the news.

A succession of trifles had shown her quite clearly that Alicia was not her friend; why, she did not know.

She remembered many small advances on her own part.
But at the mention of Sir James Chide, her face lit up.
"He has been so kind to me!" she said, looking up into Marsham's face--"so very kind!" Her eyes showed a touch of passion; the passion that some natures can throw into gratitude; whether for little or much.

Marsham smiled.
"He fell in love with you! Yes--he is a dear old boy.