“No, unless it’s about that unfortunate affair last evening.”
“Mr. Hammond!” The marchioness darted a glance of withering rebuke at the recalcitrant suitor. “Is that the way in which you refer to the fact that you are engaged to my daughter Victoria?”
“Was engaged, excuse me, marchioness,” he corrected, with easy good-nature. “Didn’t you know that I had written to Lady Victoria to beg off?”
“It is in consequence of your extraordinary letter that I have come here,” said the marchioness, scowling. “I trust you will have the good sense and right feeling to withdraw it before my daughter is compelled to give it any reply.”
“I am afraid I can’t oblige you.”
The answer was given quietly enough, but the marchioness looked in his face and saw something there which she did not like.
“Have you considered the effect of such a step as this on my daughter’s reputation?” she demanded, with dignity.
“I don’t see that it need go beyond ourselves,” Hammond replied. “Nobody else knows of it but Mr. Despencer, and your influence with him—”
The marchioness interrupted, breathing angrily:
“You are utterly wrong there. The engagement is public property. I understand you yourself have freely mentioned it to your friends.”