"Not at all," said Ayre, still unruffled. "I have had no communication with Lady Claudia—a fact of which you have no right to affect doubt."
"Then what do you mean?"
"I mean you must release Eugene."
"Pray tell me why," asked she calmly, but with a calm only obtained after effort.
"Because it is not usual—and in this matter it seems to me usage is right—it is not usual for a young lady to be engaged to two men at once."
"You are merely insolent. I will wish you good-morning."
"I am glad you understand my insinuation. Explanations are so tedious. Where are you going, Miss Bernard?"
"Home."
"Then I must tell Eugene?"
"Tell him what you like." But she sat down again.