I just laughed , and we sat down together and had a long , delightful , chummy talk . Jack told me all the Valleyfield gossip , not forgetting to mention that Mary Carter was going to be married to a minister in June . Jack did n't seem to mind it a bit , so I guess he could n't have been particularly interested in Mary . In due time Alicia sailed in . I suppose she had found out from Bessie who my caller was , and felt rather worried over the length of our tête-à-tête . She greeted Jack very graciously , but with a certain polite condescension of which she is past mistress . I am sure Jack felt it , for , as soon as he decently could , he got up to go . Alicia asked him to remain to dinner . `` We are having a few friends to dine with us , but it is quite an informal affair , '' she said sweetly . I felt that Jack glanced at me for the fraction of a second . But I remembered that Gus Sinclair was coming too , and I did not look at him . Then he declined quietly . He had a business engagement , he said . I suppose Alicia had noticed that look at me , for she showed her claws . `` Do n't forget to call any time you are in Montreal , '' she said more sweetly than ever . `` I am sure Katherine will always be glad to see any of her old friends , although some of her new ones are proving very absorbing -- one , in especial . Do n't blush , Katherine , I am sure Mr. Willoughby wo n't tell any tales out of school to your old Valleyfield friends . '' I was not blushing , and I was furious . It was really too bad of Alicia , although I do n't see why I need have cared . Alicia kept her eye on us both until Jack was fairly gone .
Then she remarked in the patronizing tone which I detest : `` Really , XXXXX , Jack Willoughby has developed into quite a passable-looking fellow , although he is rather shabby .
Alicia Bessie Carter Katherine Mary Montreal Willoughby especial second tête-à-tête