“I have brought news for Lady Elaine,” the colonel said. “I have no wish to annoy you, Lord Seabright, or any of Lady Gaynor’s guests. I bring hope to a breaking heart, and I intend seeing your daughter before I leave to-night.”
The earl laughed harshly.
“You must see her, certainly, if you are determined to do so; but I warn you that Lady Elaine does not wish to see you or hear from you again. In brief, she has this very day accepted Viscount Rivington for her future husband.”
The colonel’s face became fiery red, but further words were checked by the appearance of Margaret Nugent.
“Miss Nugent will verify my statement,” the earl said, carelessly. “As the affianced wife of Viscount Rivington, my daughter cannot wish to be bothered by news of a recreant lover. It is very bad taste upon your part, colonel, to make yourself a meddlesome busybody.”
He turned coldly and walked away.
“Is this true?” asked Colonel Greyson, turning to Miss Nugent.
“It is,” she replied, pale to the lips. “I myself witnessed the viscount’s declaration; I saw her ladyship in his arms.”
“Then my faith in woman’s constancy is forever shattered,” he said. “Good-by, Margaret. It is perhaps better that he should never know.”
“He? To whom do you refer?”