"Your sister-in-law advised you against the scheme?"
"On the contrary!" said Barbara, with an angry little laugh.
"I don't think I quite understand?"
"I daresay you might not. She had the infernal impudence to approve of it. She will be a famous matchmaking mama for her daughters one of these days."
"Can you mean that she wishes you to marry the Comte de Lavisse?" gasped Judith.
"Most earnestly. Ah, you are astonished. You are not acquainted with my family."
"But your engagement to my brother! She could not wish to see that broken!"
"Why not?"
"A solemn promise - the scandal!"
Barbara burst out laughing. "Oh, you're enchanting when you're shocked! An outraged goddess, no less! But you must learn to know my family better. We don't care for scandal."