"No one can help me," said Cleone miserably. "I must bear the pain of my own folly. I—oh, I have been so wicked!"
"Now, Cleone? Why? What happened?"
"I may as well tell you. It will be all over town by to-night—everyone will know me for a flirtatious, flighty woman. I—"
"You won't have a shred of reputation left," said her aunt maliciously.
Cleone started.
"Rep—Oh, and I said—!"
"Said what, my love?"
"Naught. I—I—oh, Sir Maurice, Sir Maurice, I am so unhappy!" Cleone burst into tears.
Sir Maurice patted one heaving shoulder.
"There, there, Cleone! Tell me all about it!"