Miss Matilda looked on this gathering with suspicion.
"I do not see," she said, "the need of so many witnesses to what must prove, I fear, a humiliating confession."
"I've come," returned Mrs. Mackintosh, "to lend moral support to—" She glanced at the Bishop, changed her mind, and supplemented—"Miss Arminster."
"Shall I speak?" asked Miss Matilda, ignoring her remark.
"I will speak," said his Lordship. "It is my house, and my place to do so."
His sister sat down hurriedly.
"I've sent for you, my dear," he continued, turning to Violet, "because certain charges have been made against you by Mr. Marchmont and—others, and, as my son informs me that you contemplate marrying Mr. Spotts, and asking me to perform the ceremony, I feel it is my duty—"
"She's already—" broke in his sister.
"I am speaking, Matilda," he said quietly, and she collapsed.
"You mustn't think," he went on, "that my asking you to explain your position implies any belief on my part in the charges made against you. I've only requested this interview because I thought you'd like an opportunity to disprove idle gossip."