"You might have moderated your tone, at any rate, Emily: and perhaps would, had you known to whom you were offering a gratuitous insult," he said, with admirable calmness.
"I spoke to Anne Hereford."
"Yes. And to my future wife."
The crimson colour flashed into her beautiful face. "Harry!"
"Therefore I must beg of you to treat Miss Hereford accordingly."
"Are you mad, Harry?"
"Perfectly sane, I hope."
"It cannot be your attention to marry her? How can you think of so degrading yourself?"
"You are mistaking the case altogether, Emily. I, and my family with me, will be honoured by the alliance."
"What on earth do you mean?"