"They're not engaged?"
"Oh dear, no! Coryston doesn't believe she means it seriously at all. He also thinks that mother is plotting something."
"When can I see Coryston?" Newbury turned to her with a rather forced smile. "You know, darling, he'll have to get used to me as a brother!"
"He says he wants to see you—to—to have it out with you," said Marcia, awkwardly. Then with a sudden movement, she clasped both her hands round Newbury's arm.
"Edward!—do—do make us all happy!"
He looked down on the liquid eyes, the fresh young face raised appealingly to his.
"How can I make you happy?" He lifted one hand and kissed it. "You darling!—what can I do?"
But as he spoke he knew what she meant and dreaded the coming moment. That she should ask anything in these magical days that he could not at once lay at her feet!—she, who had promised him herself!
"Please—let Mr. Betts stay—please, Edward! Oh, I was so sorry for her yesterday!"
"We are all so sorry for her," he said, after a pause. "My father and mother will do all they can."