"I can't answer that for the moment," replied the Colonel carefully, "but at any rate by promising to do so he hoped to marry Miss Lucy."
"He shall never do that," cried Lady Corsoon energetically; "unless, of course, he keeps his promise. Lucy must save me from----" She hesitated.
"Mr. Maunders told me about your losses at bridge, and----"
"And that I pawned certain family jewels," finished the lady. "Well, I never! To think he should discuss my affairs in this way. I have been a fool: I don't deny that I have been a fool, but there was no need for Mr. Maunders to let the whole world know."
"The world is only represented by myself and Vernon," said the Colonel drily, "and your secret is safe with us."
"But Mr. Maunders----"
"He has his hands full. You won't see him again."
"But in that case his promise----"
"My dear Lady Corsoon, I do not think he will be able to keep his promise, for certain reasons which I need not tell you now. Better give your consent to the marriage of Vernon and Miss Lucy. They love one another and he will soon have a title and an income."
"Did you invite me down with Lucy to forward that marriage?" asked Lady Corsoon with sudden suspicion.