"You mean on whether I am prepared to stand aside and to sacrifice everything that you may have your will. I know the state of affairs, you see."
"I meant to seek you out and tell you, Lord Glengall. I ought to say, perhaps, that Miss Graydon is without reproach in this matter."
"Neither of us is likely to wrong her in our thoughts, I hope," said Lord Glengall. "The question is, whether you are without reproach."
"By what right——" began the younger man.
"Hush!" said the other, with a dignity that was more compelling than his words. "We are speaking as man to man. Miss Graydon has told me something of how affairs lay between you and her, but not all. Why did you leave her in the first instance in the position of a half-engaged girl?"
"Are you her ambassador?"
"She is dearer to me, I dare swear, than she is to you, though you will not believe it. There is no use in beating about the bush. If I think you can make her happier than I can, I am prepared to give her back her promise."
"Lord Glengall!"
A gesture silenced the words on his lips.
"Don't say anything, please. If I do it, I do it for her. And I shall only give her up to you if I am sure you are worthy."