'How heartless you are!' he said admiringly.
'Really not, Cecil. I'm very fond of you. I'd be your best friend if you'd let me, but I shan't speak to you again or receive you at all unless you promise not to repeat that nonsense about marrying. I know how horridly obstinate you are! Please remember it's out of the question.'
At this moment the servant brought in a letter to Mrs Raymond. As she read it, Cecil thought she changed colour.
'It's only a line from Sir Charles Cannon,' she said.
'What's he writing about?'
'Really, Cecil! What right have you to ask? I certainly shan't say. It's about his ward, if you must know. And now I think you'd better go, if you will make these violent scenes.'
He stood up.
'You must let me come soon again,' he said rather dejectedly. 'I'll try not to come tomorrow. Shall I?'
'Yes, do try—not to come, I mean. And will you do everything I tell you?'
'I suppose it will please you if I dine with Hyacinth Verney this evening? She asked me yesterday. I said I was half-engaged, but would let her know.'