Sudley. [Importantly.] Ahem! [Cynthia lays down goggles, and sees their severity.
Cynthia. Dear me! [Surveying the flowers and for a moment speechless.] Oh, good heavens! Why, it looks like a smart funeral!
Miss Heneage moves; then speaks in a perfectly ordinary natural tone, but her expression is severe. Cynthia immediately realizes the state of affairs in its fullness.
Miss Heneage. [To Cynthia.] After what has occurred, Mrs. Karslake—
Cynthia. [Glances quietly toward the table, and then sits down at it, composed and good-tempered.] I see you got my wire—so you know where I have been.
Miss Heneage. To the race-course!
Sudley. With a rowdy Englishman. [Cynthia glances at Sudley, uncertain whether he means to be disagreeable, or whether he is only naturally so.
Miss Heneage. We concluded you desired to break the engagement!
Cynthia. [Indifferently.] No! No! Oh! No!
Miss Heneage. Do you intend, despite of our opinion of you—