"Yes, but—will you forgive me if I speak frankly? There can't be any feeling of jealousy between us; we've both been worsted."
"What do you wish to say?"
"That I'm afraid this marriage must not be permitted. You see, Miss Arminster isn't quite what she seems."
"If you're going to say anything against that young lady—!" began his Lordship angrily.
"You forget," said his son, "I wanted to marry her."
His father remembered; and remembering, said:
"Proceed."
"Well, I found out, for myself I mean, that Miss Arminster had been married a number of times."
"A number of times!"
"Half a dozen at least. Perhaps more."