‘How is this? You have been encouraging him all this time, letting him come here—’
‘I never asked him to come here,’ said Theodora, temper coming in, as usual.
‘Theodora! Theodora! did I not entreat you to tell me what you wished, when I first heard of this in London? Could I get a reasonable answer from you?’
Theodora was silent.
‘Do you know what the world thinks of young ladies who go on in this manner?’
‘Let it think as it may, I cannot accept him, and you must tell him so, papa—’
‘No, indeed. I will not be responsible for such usage! It must be your own doing,’ said Lord Martindale, thoroughly displeased. ‘I should be ashamed to look him in the face!’
Theodora turned to leave the room.
‘What are you going to do?’ asked her father.
‘I am going to write to Lord St. Erme.’