Robert was reading and re-reading the note.
“My God!” he said in a hushed voice of horror. “I’m engaged to Marion Dexter!”
“Robert,” said Mrs. Brown. “I don’t think you ought to use expressions like that before your little brother, whoever you’re engaged to.”
“I’m engaged to Marion Dexter,” repeated Robert in a tone of frenzy, “Me! ... chained to her for life when I love another....”
“Robert dear,” said Mrs. Brown, “if there’s been any mistake I’m sure that all you have to do is go to Miss Dexter and explain.”
“Explain!” said Robert wildly. “How can I explain. She’s accepted me ... how can any man of chivalry refuse to marry a woman who.... Oh, it’s too much.” He sat down on the sofa and held his head in his hands. “It’s the ruin of all my hopes ... he’s simply spoilt my life ... he’s always spoiling my life ... I shall have to marry her now ... and she’s an old woman ... she was twenty-four last birthday, I know.”
“Well, I was trying to help,” said William.
“I’ll teach you to help,” said Robert darkly, advancing upon him.
William dodged and fled towards the door. There he collided with Ethel—Ethel with a pale, distraught face.
“It’s all over the village, mother,” she said angrily as she entered. “William’s told everyone in the village that I’ve got epilepsy and consumption.”