Captain Mauleverer came in looking very guilty and ashamed, though he made a poor bravado of ignorance.
“Yes, aunt, what is it?” he inquired, scarcely troubling to acknowledge Despencer’s presence by a nod.
“Sit down, please,” ordered the marchioness. “I want you to tell me exactly what passed in the picture-gallery last night before I came in.”
Gerald sat down with ill-concealed reluctance.
“I am afraid there is nothing I can tell you,” he stammered.
“Oh, yes, there is,” his aunt retorted. “What were you and Mr. Hammond doing there?”
“I am not aware that we were doing anything,” was the sullen answer. “We met there by accident, and we fell into conversation.”
“What was the conversation about?” pursued the relentless examiner.
“I’m afraid I can’t even tell you that.”
“Do you know that Mr. Hammond is engaged to your cousin Victoria?”