‘Did she say anything?’ he asked.  Then Marie had to take her place and arrange her dress before she could reply to him.  ’As to her, I suppose it does not matter what she says, does it?’

’She said a great deal.  She thinks that papa will think you are not rich enough.  Hush!  Talk about something else, or people will hear.’  So much she had been able to say during the bustle.

Felix was not at all anxious to talk about his love, and changed the subject very willingly.  ‘Have you been riding?’ he asked.

’No; I don’t think there are horses here,—­not for visitors, that is.  How did you get home?  Did you have any adventures?’

‘None at all,’ said...