C. But why didn’t he stop?
S. He heard you reading the letter, and he said he couldn’t stop but a moment; a message would do just as well as seeing you. So he wrote this note in the drawing-room, and asked me to give it to you. (Clara gazes at the note. Servant goes out, R.)
Mrs. G. Why don’t you read your note?
C. I am so surprised. (Unfolds the paper—reads aloud:)
“Miss Clara Granby: I have received an appointment which will carry me to India, and I am to sail for that place this afternoon. I called to bid you good-by, but finding you engaged, and being myself in great haste, I make my adieu on paper. As I may be gone for a long time, perhaps a number of years, I deem it my duty to release you from your engagement.
“Ernest Montgomery.”
Mrs. G. What does it mean?
C. (contemptuously). It means that he overheard enough of Aunt Patience’s letter to know that we are not to have any of her property; so he has magnanimously released me from my engagement.
Mrs. G. But what are you going to do about it?
C. Do? I don’t know as there is anything to be done. In fact, my present feelings of indifference towards him show that my affections were not involved, and I am well satisfied to have him leave me as he has done. As to Aunt Patience, I guess we can get along without any of her money. I have several accomplishments that can be turned to account if necessity requires it.