"I'm sorry I must agree with my daughter's decision until I see more reason to change it than I can hope for at present," Mrs. Mowbray replied. "It would be better if you left us. We return to-morrow."
Her tone was final; and, with a last glance at Beatrice, Harding went out dejectedly.
CHAPTER XXVIII
FIRE AND HAIL
On the morning after her return from Winnipeg, Beatrice sat in her father's study, with Mowbray facing her across the table. He looked thoughtful, but not so shocked and indignant as she had expected.
"So you are determined to throw Harding over!"
"Yes," Beatrice said in a strained voice. "It seems impossible to do anything else."
"A broken engagement's a serious matter; we Mowbrays keep our word. I hope you're quite sure of your ground."
"What I heard left no room for doubt."
"Did you hear the man's defense?"