'But,' urged the general, polishing his bald head with fidgety irritation, 'surely, by this time, something is understood?'
'That—that she will one day be my wife?'
'Yes, of course.'
'But when?'
'When I issue the order!' said Sir Piers, as he stood with his back to the fire and his feet planted on the hearthrug in orderly-room fashion.
Hew smiled feebly, as if he feared Mary would care little for such a ukase.
'Devil take this forthcoming ball!' he exclaimed suddenly. 'That fellow will be there, of course.'
'In his regimentals, too—a good old phrase that!' said Sir Piers. 'But the ball is somewhat of a nuisance, especially as Mary is not yet disillusionné. Yet she is not a child, that I may prevent her going to where she has set her heart upon. But one thing is certain; she must neither speak to, nor dance with him on that occasion.'
'I should think not!' said Hew, savagely.
'It is very unfortunate for you, my dear lad, if she has conceived any absurd fancy for this young man.'