“But something must have happened since this morning?”
“Yes; something has happened.”
Mrs. Rockram entered with the teapot just half a minute too late. Fortified by her presence, Cicely might have pigeon-holed further explanations. In a moment she would be alone again with Grimshaw, and some insistent quality about him would evoke the truth. And why not? Wasn’t evasion the meanest weapon used by women?
“I’ll make you a bit of toast, sir,” said Mrs. Rockram.
“Please,” replied Grimshaw. “Two bits,” he added as Mrs. Rockram turned to leave the parlour.
“You are hungry, Mr. Grimshaw.”
“Not particularly. It takes time to make two bits of toast.”
He smiled encouragingly at her, inviting confidence, dropping his slightly formal manner and address. She said abruptly:
“What has happened is this: I have broken my engagement to Lord Wilverley.”
“Good God!”