Gladys burst into passionate sobs.
"However did you guess, Kitten! Why, Tild doesn't know a thing!"
"Most likely not—Well, what do you want him to do—marry you?"
"Why, of course, Katherine; that is what he promised most solemnly beforehand—at Brighton. You know it is his mother who has kept him back; his Aunt Eliza, with whom we stayed, is quite willing for me. I am sure I'm as good as him, anyway."
Further sobs.
"Oh! that part does not matter a bit, as good or not as good—these awful men like Bob Hartley always seduce women with promises, solemn promises, of matrimony and that sort of stuff; if they meant them, they would not forestall matters—vile brutes!"
"There is no good in abusing Bob, Kitten; he has always meant kind; it is his mother, I tell you, has got at him!"
"Does she know?"
"Oh, my! I hope not. No one knows but you—and Bob."