believe, does, but--'

At this moment the door opened gently and Mary Thorne entered the room.

It may easily be conceived, that while Mary was making her salutations
the three other young ladies were a little cast aback. The Lady
Alexandrina, however, quickly recovered herself, and, by her inimitable
presence of mind and facile grace of manner, soon put the matter on a
proper footing.

'We were discussing Miss Gresham's marriage,' said she; 'I am sure I
may mention to an acquaintance of so long standing as Miss Thorne, that
the first of September has been now fixed for the wedding.'

Miss Gresham! Acquaintance of so long standing! Why, Mary and Augusta
Gresham had for years, we will hardly say for how many, passed their
mornings together in the same schoolroom; had quarrelled, and
squabbled, and caressed and kissed, and been all but sisters to each
other. Acquaintance indeed! Beatrice felt that her ears were
tingling, and even Augusta was a little ashamed. Mary, however, knew
that the cold words had come from a De Courcy, and not from a Gresham,
and did not, therefore, resent them.

'So it's settled, Augusta, is it?' said she; 'the first of September. I
wish you joy with all my heart,' and, coming round, she put her arm
over Augusta's shoulder and kissed her. The Lady Alexandrina could not
but think that the doctor's niece uttered her congratulations very much
as though she were speaking to an equal; very much as though she had a
father and mother of her own.