"But she is fond of Poland and of us. She's well bred, well connected, good-looking."
"A heretic."
"That might be changed."
He took alarm at this. There was nothing more hateful to his thoughts, just then, than marriage with anybody--but Vanda. And she had deserted him.
"I hope you've not been 'sounding' her, as you call it," he cried in alarm.
"No. Don't be afraid. But bear her in mind. She's a dear girl. She'll come back to us next year. I'd like to chaperon her to Nice in the winter."
"I'm not going to lose my shooting," he said firmly.
"You could run over there for a week or so. However, there's no hurry. Let's get Vanda safely settled first." And wisely, she dropped the subject. She knew all about his disappointment, and meant to tell him so one day. Meanwhile she would throw him and Minnie together as much as possible. But there was plenty of time.
The following evening they were finishing dinner when a servant handed Joseph a telegram. Thinking it one of many that had arrived since his engagement, he opened it carelessly.
"Who is it this time?" asked Vanda.