"I have heard nothing of this. What sort of fellow is he?" enquired Jimmy Marrable.
"Much the same type, I should say, as the late lamented Gaymer, senior."
"Are you sure—about her falling in love?" continued Jimmy Marrable, in a puzzled voice.
"Looks like it," said Hughie. "I was away yesterday, and got back early this morning. I found a note from Joey on my dressing-table, saying that Haliburton had proposed to her, and that she was sending him along to me to ask for my consent. She wouldn't have gone as far as that if she didn't—if she didn't"—His voice shook. "It was a pill for me, Uncle Jimmy!"
"What did you do?" said Jimmy Marrable.
"I did this. I knew quite well that if Joey—loved him"—the words came from between his clenched teeth—"she would stick to him, blackguard or not. She's that sort."
"She is. Well?"
"I came to the conclusion that if there was to be a rupture of the engagement it must come from him."
"You made him break it off?"
"Yes."