Every word of this Mrs.
Dove heard Colonel Mar tell my Lady--and then they fell to rating the
poor youth, and trying to force out who this secret flame may be; but
his is of the same stuff as his mother, adamantine and impervious.
And now the Colonel keeps him on hard duty continually, and they watch
him day and night to find out what places he haunts. But bless me,
Mrs. Hunter, is the church clock striking? We must be gone, or my
good man will be wondering where we are."
Mrs. Hunter would fain have kept them, and the last words and
compliments were of long duration, while Aurelia looked on in some
surprise at the transformation of all Harriet's languishing affected
airs into the bustling self-importance of Mrs. Arden. She was however
much occupied with all she had heard, and was marvelling how her
sister began again as soon as they were in the street again. "You
are very discreet, Aurelia, as it becomes a young married lady, but
have you no notion who this innamorata of the baronet may be?"
"No, indeed, how should I?"
"I thought he might have confided in your husband, since he makes so
sure of his support."
"He has only once come to visit Mr. Belamour, and that was many
months ago."
"It is strange," mused Harriet; "Mrs. Dove says she would have taken
her Bible oath that it was you, and my Lady believed as much, or she
would not have been in such haste to have you wedded.
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