"And you are to be married on Tuesday?"
"No, I may never marry. Nina Hart and Loftus Bertram are to be married on Tuesday."
"God bless me! Beatrice, you have put me into a nice fix. Guardians are not always to be envied. What's the hour, child?"
Beatrice glanced at the clock.
"It is half-past nine," she said.
"You say that this—this Miss Hart was staying at the Bells'?"
"Yes."
"I must go to her. I must see her to-night."
"Remember she is weak and ill. You will be gentle with her."
"Beatrice, am I as a rule rough with people? Come, I will see you home, and then call on Miss Hart."