Page:The Other House (London, William Heinemann, 1896), Volume 2.djvu/95

Rh Their situation might still have been embarrassing had Rose not taken immediate measures to give it a lift. "You must let me have the pleasure of making you the first person to hear of a matter that closely concerns me." She hung fire, watching her companion; then she brought out: "I'm engaged to be married to Mr. Vidal."

"Engaged?"—Jean almost bounded forward, holding up her relief like a torch.

Rose greeted with laughter this natural note. "He arrived half an hour ago, for a supreme appeal—and it has not, you see, taken long. I've just had the honour of accepting him."

Jean's movement had brought her so close to the bench that, though slightly disconcerted by its action on her friend, she could only, in consistency, seat herself. "That's very charming—I congratulate you."

"It's charming of you to be so glad," Rose returned. "However, you've the news in all its freshness."

"I appreciate that too," said Jean. "But fancy my dropping on a conversation of such importance!"