“But—what?”

“I am engaged!”

CHAPTER V
THE EARL IS STARTLED

He held her off to get a better view of her face. Then he stared at her.

“You! Engaged?” he cried.

She nodded two or three times in reply.

“Such a mite as you! Why, how long have you been engaged, pray?”

“I—don’t quite know. Ever since I can remember.”

“Oh! a family arrangement between your parents and your betrothed husband’s, I suppose?”

“Oh, no; not at all! Only between him and me.”