The girl smiled, wondering what her hostess would say if she knew that the proposal had been made three weeks previously. "He's in love, you see!" "There is sense in all things, my dear. He has only known you a month." "Of course! But love at first sight----" "I don't believe in such a thing." "Oh, Amy, what about Romeo and Juliet?" "They are only things in a play. I don't think Juliet was at all respectable, and if she had lived in London instead of Verona, I should never have allowed her to visit me. Mr. Montrose should have behaved himself properly." "What do you call proper behaviour on his part?" "Well, he should have spoken to me first!" "Douglas's idea of propriety differs from yours, Amy. He thought it was best to tell my father that he wished to marry me, before speaking to you." "He could do no less," snapped Mrs. Barrast, still ruffled. "Has he written to Mr. Enistor?" "Yes. Two days ago; but he has not yet received an answer. Nor have I, for I wrote to my father at the same time, asking him to consent to our engagement." "Oh, he'll consent quick enough--your father, that is," sniffed the little woman. "He owes me a great deal for bringing back that lost money to the family. If he is nice--I suppose he _is_ nice, though Julian doesn't like him at all--I expect he'll give me a bracelet, or a muff-chain, or a----" "Do you really mean that?" interrupted Alice, opening her eyes very wide. "Of course! Why shouldn't I mean what I say?" "How rapacious you are, Amy." "What a nasty word when I'm only sensible. What is the use of men if they don't give us things?" "Douglas will give you all you want, dear. After all, you brought us together." This diplomatic remark cleared the air and banished the frown from Mrs. Barrast's small-featured face. "Of course I did. I saw that you two were meant for each other the moment you set eyes on one another. I advised you to get back your aunt's money by marriage, didn't I?" "You certainly did," admitted Miss Enistor dryly, not thinking it necessary to explain that she loved Montrose for himself alone. "What you said has come true, Amy. Douglas desires to make me his wife, if my father consents." "Oh, bother your father," cried Mrs. Barrast vigorously. "What does his consent matter when you have hooked a rich man?" "Don't be vulgar, Amy!" said Alice, wincing. "And don't be romantic. You can't deceive me. Mr. Montrose is rich." "I would marry him without a sixpence." "So you will," rejoined Mrs. Barrast caustically. "He has the sixpence, remember. I am glad, dear: you have played your cards well. Frederick will be pleased. He likes Mr. Montrose immensely, and you a great deal." "I am glad he does," said Alice soberly, "but don't say anything until we hear from my father, Amy!"