"I can't go on with my engagement!"
Mrs. Pope shook her head inscrutably.
"But how can I, mother?"
"You need not tell him why, Marjorie."
"But——"
"Just think how it would humiliate and distress him! You can't, Marjorie. You must find some excuse—oh, any excuse! But not the truth—not the truth, Marjorie. It would be too dreadful."
Marjorie thought. "Look here, mother, I may see Mr. Trafford again? I may really speak to him?"
"Haven't I promised?"
"Then, I'll do as you say," said Marjorie.
§ 5