"What do you mean?" Again, almost like a challenge, the girl flung the question.
Lady Brian began to walk along the beach. "I mean, dear, that I have promised to give Mr. Sheppard his answer to-night."
"But--but--Mother--" there was almost a cry in the words, "you can't--you can't have quite decided upon what the answer will be!"
Lady Brian sighed again. "Oh, do let us have a little common-sense!" she said, with just a touch of irritation. "Of course I have decided. The decision has been simply thrust upon me. I had no choice."
"Then you mean to say Yes?" Maud's voice fell suddenly flat. She turned her face again to the open sea, a glint of desperation in her eyes.
"Yes," said Lady Brian very definitely. "I mean to say Yes."
"Then Heaven help us!" said Maud, under her breath.
"My dear, don't be profane!" said Lady Brian.
CHAPTER II
THE IDOL