"You certainly made an impression upon her, Phillipa," said Lady
Calverly afterwards.
"She is a vain and rather silly old woman," Miss Fanshawe replied.
Language that might have opened Mrs. Purling's eyes.
"But I am very glad you became such good friends. Purlington is a very
desirable place."
Here, then, was a faint clue to the mystery of Mrs. Purling's tardy
reception at Compton Revel. Intrigue--not necessarily base, but
covered by the harmless phrase, "It would be so very nice"--was at
work to bring about a match between Miss Fanshawe and Harold Purling.
She was one of a large family of girls and her father was an
impoverished peer. Besides, her career so far had not been an unmixed
success. Lady Gayfeather's young ladies had the reputation of being
the "quickest" in the town.
"I have met the son," went on Lady Calverly.
"Yes?" Phillipa's tone was one of absolute indifference.
"He is a gentleman."
"I have always heard of him as a solemn prig--'Old Steady' he was
named at college. I confess I have no special leaning to these very
proper and decorous youths."
"Do not say that you are harping still on that old affair. I assure
you Gilly Jillingham is unworthy of you. You are not thinking still of
each other, I sincerely hope?"
"I may be of him," said Phillipa bitterly.
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