"What's this?" Sir Maurice spoke with well-feigned astonishment. "Cleone, you are not betrothed, surely?"
"To two men," nodded her aunt. "I have never been so amused in my life. I always considered myself to be flighty, but I'll swear I never was engaged to two men at one and the same time!"
Cleone sat down, staring out of the window and biting her lips.
"What!" cried Sir Maurice in liveliest horror. "Engaged to two men? Cleone!"
The golden head was bowed. A great sob shook Cleone.
"But—good heavens, my dear! This is dreadful! How could such a thing have come to pass?"
"Of course it's dreadful," said her ladyship. "Think of the scandal when it is known. And that'll be soon, I'll wager. Brenderby will never keep such a piece of spice to himself." As she spoke, one of her eyelids flickered. Sir Maurice smiled, unseen by Cleone.
"You—forget, Aunt. I am going to—wed—Sir Deryk." A shudder ran through her at the thought.
"But I don't understand! Tell me how it happened, Cleone!"
"Yes, tell him, Clo. Mayhap he can help you."