Molly poured out the tea and responded with her usual cheery directness.

Lady Caryl did not awe her.

Her father was wont to remark that Molly was impudent as a robin and brave as a lion.
After a slight pause in the conversation Lady Caryl turned from parish affairs with an abruptness somewhat characteristic of her, but by no means impetuous.
"Did you ever chance to meet Earl Wyverton, my dear Mary ?" she inquired.
"He spent a few days here in the summer." "Yes," said Molly.

"He came to see us several times." The beautiful colour rose slightly as she replied, but she looked straight at her questioner with a directness almost boyish.
"Ah!" said Lady Caryl.

"I was away from the Manor at the time, or I should have asked him to stay there.