The captain became desperate. He tried to explain:
“No—but really, it was from Victoria that I heard of it first, only she didn’t mention Hammond’s name.”
The marchioness smiled cruelly.
“Very good. Then I shall be able to tell him that she has also announced the engagement among her friends.” She turned to Despencer. “What do you say to that?”
“It is absolutely conclusive. It doesn’t leave him a single loop-hole.”
The miserable captain writhed helplessly, like a victim in the hands of the Holy Office, finding every answer twisted into a fresh heresy.
“Look here, do you mean to say that there is a chance of his breaking it off?” he asked the marchioness.
“Not the very slightest,” was the grim response; “but he may try to.” All at once her manner became coaxing. “Now, I trust to you, Gerald, as a gentleman, not to stand in your cousin’s way. You can’t marry her yourself, as you know perfectly well, and therefore you ought not to prevent her making a good match.”
“I am not likely to,” he answered, gloomily. “As long as Vick and Hammond are engaged, I am out of it altogether.”
The marchioness looked extremely relieved.