"No, thank you."
"A cigar, then?"
"Again, no, thank you. Such things would not harmonise with my errand, for I have come, Mr Jefferson, to break some very unpleasant news to you."
"I hope nothing is wrong with Dora?"
"My visit concerns Dora. To come to the point at once, I am afraid that this marriage arranged for to-morrow cannot take place."
Jefferson stared at him aghast.
"In the name of goodness--why not?"
Jefferson had seated himself on the table, one slippered foot just touching the floor. Mr Maybury walked up to him.
"I am exceedingly sorry to have to bring you this news. Believe me, I feel for your position. The truth of the matter is, Dora loves another man, and therefore it would be most wrong on my part to allow your marriage with her to take place."
Jefferson stared at his visitor in amazement