"For years!" Dinghra took a sudden step forward. He looked as if he were about to spring at the Englishman's throat.
But Rivington remained quite unmoved, all unsuspecting, lounging on the edge of the table.
"Yes, for years," he repeated. "But we have kept it to ourselves till now. Even Lady Florence had no notion of it. There was nothing to be gained by talking. It was a case of—" He dug his hands into his trousers pockets and pulled them inside out with an eloquent gesture. "So, of course, there was nothing for it but to wait."
"Then why have you published the engagement now?" demanded Dinghra.
Rivington smiled.
"Because we are tired of waiting," he said.
"You are in a position to marry, then? You are—"
"I am as poor as a church mouse, if you want to know," said Rivington.
"And you will marry on nothing?"
"I dare say we sha'n't starve," said Rivington optimistically.