Nick wondered, but didn't conclude. "I wanted to go on with her—now I can't."
Nash himself, however, jumped straight to what really mattered. "My dear fellow, it only makes her handsomer. I wondered what happy turn she had taken."
"Oh, that's twaddle," said Nick, turning away. "Besides, has she told you?"
"No, but her mother has."
"Has she told her mother?"
"Mrs. Rooth says not. But I've known Mrs. Rooth to say that which isn't."
"Apply that rule then to the information you speak of."
"Well, since you press me, I know more," Gabriel said. "Miriam knows you're engaged to a wonderful, rich lady; she told me as much, told me she had seen her here. That was enough to set her off—she likes forbidden fruit."
"I'm not engaged to any lady whatever. I was," Nick handsomely conceded, "but we've altered our minds."
"Ah, what a pity!" his friend wailed.