"Well, what has happened?" asked Angela.
Edmund was agitated. "Our trifle has turned out a rank piece of folly," he said, crossly.
"How?"
"I should not tell you, Angela, but the situation is such that it would be wrong to conceal anything from you. We had it all arranged just as I told you. When we were in the smoking-room we began to play our practical joke. Some one said how pleased you seemed to be with Hungary—"
"Oh, how stupid of you!" said Angela, angrily.
"I know now it was a stupid thing to do. I wish I had seen it before; but it always happens the knowledge comes too late."
"What business had you, or any one, to mention my name? I gave no permission to have it done."
"I know, I know; but in men's society, unfortunately, no one asks a lady's permission to mention her name. It was only a joke. It had been settled among us that I, being your cousin, should protest against this chatter in connection with your name; then Salista was to say that he knew well that what kept you in Pesth was the fine eyes of a certain gentleman, that I was to get angry, and forbid him to say any more, and that then we should get up the mock duel."
Angela was trembling with anger, but, anxious to hear more, she controlled herself with difficulty.
"I never heard such a childish joke," she said. "It was a college trick."