The question was simply put, but it seemed to affect Richard very disagreeably.
‘No, of course she doesn’t. What would be the use?’
He threw himself into a chair, crossed his feet, and kept silence.
‘I’m very sorry for Emma,’ murmured his sister.
Richard said nothing.
‘How shall you tell her, Dick?’
‘I can’t tell her!’ he replied, throwing out an arm. ‘How is it likely I can tell her?’
‘And Jane’s so dreadfully bad,’ continued Alice in the undertone. ‘She’s always saying she cares for nothing but to see Emma married. What shall we do? And everything seemed so first-rate. Suppose she summonses you, Dick?’
The noble and dignified legal process whereby maidens right themselves naturally came into Alice’s thoughts. Her brother scouted the suggestion.
‘Emma’s not that kind of girl. Besides, I’ve told you I shall always send her money. She’ll find another husband before long. Lots of men ‘ud be only too glad to marry her.’