"No. I still think the match is a bad one. But if you are determined to commit social suicide, I will not hinder you. Down at Westcliff I considered the matter, and resolved to tell you this when I returned. Of course this murder brings the matter still more to the front, since it makes us give up the villa. You must decide whether to come with us, or to marry Mr. Calvert, and take your own life on your own shoulders."
"We can settle that later. When do you go?"
"In three or four months. We have to get rid of the lease of the villa, you see, and there are other things to be considered. Have you accepted Mr. Calvert's hand?"
"Yes. We are engaged."
Mrs. Fane shrugged her ample shoulders.
"Fancy marrying an actor, and a mediocre actor at that! Why, the man can't keep you."
"I have money enough for us both."
"Oh, I am quite sure that he will live on you, my dear. Why hasn't he been to see you lately?"
Laura rose to her feet.
"Because I asked him not to come," she said distinctly. "You have been so disagreeable to him that, for the sake of peace, I thought it best he should not visit me."