‘I’m delighted to see you both,’ said Frederick, ‘what can I give you? I know that it is no use my offering the father a brandy-and-soda, but, if you will not take one, Philip, my man shall get some tea ready in half a minute.’
‘I don’t think we have time for either,’ replied Philip Walcheren. ‘I have only about ten minutes to spare, and the Father honours me with his company at dinner to-night, so I think Marion will be disappointed if I deprive her of her five-o’clock tea gossip with him. She is, doubtless, anxiously awaiting us now. But I felt I could not pass another night without asking you, Frederick, if a rumour which I have heard concerning you is true.’
‘What’s up now?’ demanded his cousin.
‘I met young Fellows in the city this afternoon, Mrs Bouchers’ brother, you know, and he told me that it is commonly said in Hampstead that you are engaged, or about to be engaged, to Miss Crampton.’
‘What of it?’ said Frederick carelessly.
‘Surely it is not true! Surely, with your antecedents, Frederick, you are not thinking of marrying any respectable woman!’
‘Would you prefer my marrying a disreputable one, then, Philip?’
‘Most certainly not! What I mean is, that, under the circumstances, you have no right to marry at all. How can you go up to God’s holy altar with any woman, whilst that unfortunate girl down at Luton is even now expiating the awful sin you led her into?’
‘Of course, it is quite impossible that it was she who led me instead of the other way?’ said Frederick, interrogatively.
‘Whosoever fault it may have been in the first instance, you know that you are responsible now.’