She shook her head.
“I’m dreadfully disappointed. I’ve done my very best, but they won’t hear of it. I’ve been there, and I’ve seen Mrs Lascelles and Kitty, and said everything I could think of.”
“Has it annoyed them so much?” said Everitt, flushing.
“I don’t know about annoyed. They are not angry, and I think they understand how it was done; but—perhaps it’s natural, Charlie—they don’t fancy an acquaintance begun in that fashion. It would be awkward, you must allow, just at first. Kitty wouldn’t know whether she was talking to her model or to you yourself. I think by-and-by we might get over it quietly; but just at present I really don’t see what to do.”
Everitt stared gloomily at a group beyond him.
“You understand how it is, don’t you?” said his cousin, anxiously.
“Oh, it’s clear enough, you needn’t fear. I made a fool of myself, and yet I can’t regret it.” He looked at Mrs Marchmont, and suddenly burst out laughing. “Do you think any one was ever in such a ridiculous position?”
“I am partly responsible,” she said. “What will you do?”
“Get right again somehow,” he replied, briefly. “Do you mean you will give it up?”
“I mean that if I can I shall marry Miss Kitty Lascelles.”