For Marsham, too, the hours flew. He was carried away, enchanted; he had eyes for no one, time for no one but Diana; and before the end of the evening the gossip among the Tallyn guests ran fast and free. When at last the dance broke up, many a curious eye watched the parting between Marsham and Diana; and in their bedroom on the top floor Lady Lucy's two nieces sat up till the small hours discussing, first, the situation--was Oliver really caught at last?--and then, Alicia's refusal to discuss it. She had said bluntly that she was dog-tired--and shut her door upon them. * * * * * On a hint from his mother, Marsham went to say good-night to her in her room. She threw her arms round his neck, whispering: "Dear Oliver!--dear Oliver!--I just wished you to know--if it is as I think--that you had my blessing." He drew back, a little shrinking and reluctant--yet still flushed, as it were, with the last rays Diana's sun had shed upon him. "Things mustn't be hurried, mother." "No--no--they sha'n't. But you know how I have wished to see you happy--how ambitious I have been for you!" "Yes, mother, I know. You have been always very good to me." He had recovered his composure, and stood holding her hand and smiling at her. "What a charming creature, Oliver! It is a pity, of course, her father has indoctrinated her with those opinions, but--" "Opinions!" he said, scornfully--"what do they matter!" But he could not discuss Diana. His blood was still too hot within him. "Of course--of course!" said Lady Lucy, soothingly. "She is so young--she will develop. But what a wife, Oliver, she will make--how she might help a man on--with her talents and her beauty and her refinement. She has such dignity, too, for her years." He made no reply, except to repeat: "Don't hurry it, mother--don't hurry it." "No--no"--she said, laughing--"I am not such a fool. There will be many natural opportunities of meeting." "There are some difficulties with the Vavasours. They have been disagreeable about the gardens. Ferrier and I have promised to go over and advise her." "Good!" said Lady Lucy, delighted that the Vavasours had been disagreeable. "Good-night, my son, good-night!"