My lord slightly flushed.
"I am not betrothed to Miss Boyle."
"Oh, Rose," cried Miss Chressham, drawing a deep breath, "will you use forever this formality to me? She, Selina, told me herself, and I—have I not been a faithful confidante?" She paused, collected herself and continued, "I heard to-day from Bristol; she does not mention you; but she must be wondering, and why are you delaying? Rose, you have been free nearly a year."
"By Gad, you put me in an awkward position," said the Earl. "On my honour I do not know what to say to you."
He rose and leant against the top of the settee, looking at her curiously.
"Why delay?" Miss Chressham spoke earnestly, almost passionately. "Announce it, go down to Bristol; neither decency nor honour demand any further tribute to the memory of that unhappy lady."
"Susannah," he interrupted. "You speak under the influence of an error."
"An error?" she echoed.
"Yes, I do not intend to marry Miss Boyle."