Mr. Leslie looked from Lord James to his daughter doubtfully. But the
Englishman was fingering a pack of cards with seeming nonchalance, and
Genevieve met her father's glance with a quiet smile. He shook his
head, and went out with Mrs. Gantry.
As they left the room, Lord James faced Genevieve with a sudden tensity that compelled her attention.
"What is it?" she asked, half startled by his manner. "You said you wished to speak with me?"
"If you'll be so kind as to come into the library. It's a most serious matter. There'll be less chance of interruptions."
She permitted him to lead her in to her former seat at the library table. He took the big chair across from her.
"You look so grave," she said. "Please tell me what it is."
"Directly. Yet first I ask you to prepare yourself. Something has happened—most unfortunate!"
She bent toward him, startled out of her fatigue and lassitude. "You alarm me!"
"I cannot help it," he replied. "Genevieve, matters have come to an unexpected crisis. There can be no more delay. I must ask you to make your decision now. Do you love Tom?"
"You have no right to ask that. I did not give you the right. You said you would wait."