But he strode in and confronted Yorke with indignant menace.
"No!" he said, sternly; "I am Miss Lisle's friend, and it is my duty to protect her!"
"To protect her!" repeated Yorke mechanically, and staring at him.
"Yes!" said Ralph. "Leslie—Miss Lisle—do you know who this gentleman is?"
Leslie, white and red by turns, raised her eyes.
"Yes!" she said, almost inaudibly.
Ralph Duncombe started.
"You know who he is? And—and that he is engaged—to be married to Lady Eleanor Dallas the day after to-morrow!"