“I take it it’s this curst race of yours?”
“Yes. How could I have been so wicked and stupid as to — Oh, Ferdy, if I had but listened to you this morning!”
He shook his head sadly. “Pity,” he agreed. “Thought so at the time.”
“But even then it would have been too late, for Sherry says they are betting on me in the clubs, and my reputation is quite ruined! Everyone is talking of me, b-bandying my name about — ”
“Let anyone bandy your name about in my presence!” said George, grinding his teeth. “Only let them mention your name, that’s all I ask! I shall know what to do if Sherry don’t!”
“How did Sherry get wind of it?” interrupted Mr Ringwood.
“My cousin Jane wrote him an odious letter, and he came home at once, in such anger with me — ” She broke off, her voice becoming totally suspended by tears.
Mr Ringwood exchanged a glance with his friends. “Yes, well, you know, Kitten, can’t be surprised at that. Couldn’t expect Sherry not to be a trifle put out by this business, for it was not at all the thing. Going to tell you so myself, if Sherry had not come home.”
“Oh, Gil, it is far, far more than being put out! You do not know!”
Ferdy cleared his throat. “Got a quick temper, Sherry. It don’t mean anything: give you my word it don’t! Dare say he’s forgotten all about it by now.”