CHAPTER VII. AN EMPTY NEST 



There had been no injunctions of secrecy, and though neither Miss Mohun nor Gillian had publicly mentioned the subject, all Rockquay who cared for the news knew by Sunday morning that Lady Merrifield's two elder daughters were engaged. 

Gillian, in the course of writing her letters, had become somewhat familiarised with the idea, and really looked forward to talking it over with Kalliope. Though that young person could hardly be termed Alethea's best friend, it was certain that Alethea stood foremost with her, and that her interest in the matter would be very loving. 

Accordingly, Kalliope was at the place of meeting even before Gillian, and anxiously she looked as she said--- 

'May I venture---may I ask if it is true?' 

'True? Oh yes, Kally, I knew you would care.' 

'Indeed, I well may. There is no expressing how much I owe to dear Miss Alethea and Lady Merrifield, and it is such a delight to hear of them.' 

Accordingly, Gillian communicated the facts as she knew them, and offered to give any message. 

'Only my dear love and congratulations,' said Kalliope, with a little sigh. 'I should like to have written, but---' 

'But why don't you, then?' 

'Oh no; she would be too much engaged to think of us, and it would only worry her to be asked for her advice.' 

'I think I know what it is about,' said Gillian. 

'How? Oh, how do you know? Did Mr. Flight say anything?' 

'Mr. Flight?' exclaimed Gillian. 'What has he to do with it?' 
Does she owe anything to Alethea?
'Indeed, I well may. There is no expressing how much I owe to dear Miss Alethea and Lady Merrifield, 