"She knows that I am engaged to—Miss Boncassen."
"Does she approve of it?"
"Why should I ask her, sir? I have not asked her."
"Then why did you tell her? She could not but have spoken her mind when you told her. There must have been much between you when this was talked of."
The unfortunate young man was obliged to take some time before he could answer this appeal. He had to own that his father had some justice on his side, but at the same time he could reveal nothing of Mabel's secret. "I told her because we were friends. I did not ask her approval; but she did disapprove. She thought that your son should not marry an American girl without family."
"Of course she would feel that."
"Now I have told you what she said, and I hope you will ask me no further questions about her. I cannot make Lady Mabel my wife;—though, for the matter of that, I ought not to presume that she would take me if I wished it. I had intended to ask you to-day to consent to my marriage with Miss Boncassen."
"I cannot give you my consent."
"Then I am very unhappy."
"How can I believe as to your unhappiness when you would have said the same about Lady Mabel Grex a few weeks ago?"