"Freynie and I settled it at a ball last night, but we haven't told anyone yet! Isn't it lovely?
We just slipped out here for a little quiet talk." "I am so glad.

I hope you will be very happy," Halcyone said, and tried not to let the contrast of Cora's joyous prospect make her wince.
"I am always happy," Cora returned, "and it's dear of you to wish me nice things." Halcyone attracted her immensely, her quite remarkable personal distinction was full of charm, and, now in fresh and pretty modern clothes, to Cora's eyes she looked almost beautiful; but why so very pale and quiet, she wondered; and then, with a flash, she remembered the news she too had read in the paper that morning.

Perhaps Halcyone minded very much.

She decided rapidly what to do.

If she did not mention it at all, she reasoned, this finely strung girl would know that she guessed it would be painful to her--and that might hurt her pride.