Fanny drew back. "Particularly before all the half-world," she answered with a sniff. "No. You misunderstand me. Perhaps, too, I misunderstand you. Let my hand be."
"Fanny, I will do anything——"
"It is rather late to say that. But if I were free now, what would you do? Would you repeat the invitation you have made?"
Loftus, his wonderful eyes looking deep into hers, answered quickly and sweetly, "I would beg you to be my wife."
Fanny straightened herself. "Then give that girl her congé, give her a dot too, send her abroad and let her marry some count."
"Very good, I will do so."
"When you have," said Fanny, "I will ask Arthur for a divorce."
"What?" And Loftus, with those wonderful eyes, stared in surprise. He was in for it, let in for it, was his first impression. Yet at once, on looking back, he realized that Fanny was incapable of trick of any kind. "But," he objected, "supposing he refuses?"
"Then I will apply."
"But you can't, you see. He is good as gold."