"Were you growing impatient at my lengthened stay?" she asked him, fondly. "It was Walter that kept me. I was very anxious to get back to you."
"I thought Walter intended to have brought back a bride with him," ignoring her first question.
"Oh! did not Walter tell you?" she cried out, carelessly. "The engagement is off."
"I do not think I understand you," Ronald replied.
"The engagement is broken—they are not to be married," she explained.
"Why not?" gravely.
"Oh, Mr. Valchester, she is so changed, you know," said Violet, a little disconcerted by his grave eyes. "She has lost her voice and her beauty. She offered Walter his freedom, and he was glad enough to accept it."
"I could not have believed it of Walter!" said Ronald Valchester, sturdily.
"Oh, Mr. Valchester, she is a perfect fright! You would not blame Walter if you could see how she looks!" cried Violet, warmly defending Walter's course.
Ronald said no more. He had turned to go.