'My dear girl,' he returned gravely, 'it has been publicly announced. It was announced the same evening, I understand.'
Valerie looked at him with a vague alarm in her eyes.
'Only by an unlucky accident,' she replied. 'It was never intended to be announced. Baron von Elmur assured me of that.'
'I am sure von Elmur's intentions were most generous, but the fact remains that it was made public. Valerie, you must be aware of his feelings towards you?'
Valerie came round the table and sat down beside her father, slipping her hand caressingly through his arm.
Selpdorf smiled down at her.
'Valerie, I must ask you to consider not only your own share in this question, but von Elmur's. It compromises Elmur no less than it compromises you.'
'I cannot carry out the engagement,' said the girl quietly.
M. Selpdorf threw a great deal of surprise and disappointment into his countenance.
'I did not know you were so greatly prejudiced against him. But, Valerie, we are honourable people, you and I, and we cannot allow Baron von Elmur to suffer because we unluckily misunderstood one another.'