When she was
gone the sisters looked at each other.
'Five thousand pounds,' murmured the elder. 'I suppose that is
considered nothing.'
'I suppose so.--He was here when Marian came, but didn't stay.'
'Then you'll take him the news this evening?'
'Yes,' replied Dora. Then, after musing, 'He seemed annoyed that
you were at the Lanes' again.'
Maud made a movement of indifference.
'What has been putting you out?'
'Things were rather stupid. Some people who were to have come
didn't turn up. And--well, it doesn't matter.'
She rose and glanced at herself in the little oblong mirror over
the mantelpiece.
'Did Jasper ever speak to you of a Miss Rupert?' asked Dora.
'Not that I remember.'
'What do you think? He told me in the calmest way that he didn't
see why Marian should think of him as anything but the most
ordinary friend--said he had never given her reason to think
anything else.'
'Indeed! And Miss Rupert is someone who has the honour of his
preference?'
'He says she is about thirty, and rather masculine, but a great
heiress. Jasper is shameful!'
'What do you expect? I consider it is your duty to let Marian
know everything he says.
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