But in about five minutes, when Mrs. Willoughby had Ethel apart a little by herself, she said,
"Oh, Ethel dear, isn't it dreadful?"
"What?" asked Ethel.
"Why, poor Minnie."
"Poor Minnie?"
"Yes. Another horrid man. And he'll be claiming her too. And, oh dear! what shall I do?"
"Why, you'll have to let her decide for herself. I think it will be—this person."
Mrs. Willoughby clasped her hands, and looked up with a pretty little expression of horror.
"And do you know, dear," added Ethel, "I'm beginning to think that it wouldn't be so very bad. He's Lord Hawbury's friend, you know, and then he's very, very brave; and, above all, think what we all owe him."
Mrs. Willoughby gave a resigned sigh.