Alice, keeping her countenance as well as she was able, said Mr. Grey had been, and, indeed, was, a very dear friend of hers. Mr. Palliser knew the whole story, and what was the use of any little attempt at dissimulation? "I shall be glad to see him,--if you will allow me?" she went on to say.

Alice, remaining as composed as she could, said Mr. Grey was a very dear friend of hers.
"I shall be glad to see him - if you will allow me?" she added.
