“Georgie,” said Lady Haigh, some two or three days later, “I want to ask you a question. Are you still engaged to Major North, or not?”
The shadow of a smile glimmered on Georgia’s lips.
“It seems a ridiculous thing to say, but really I haven’t the smallest idea whether I am or not,” she answered.
“But what does Major North think about it?”
“I believe he is under the impression that we are still engaged. That is what makes the matter doubtful, for I should certainly say that we were not.”
“But how long is this state of things to go on?”—impatiently.
“I don’t know. Happily I have never had an engagement-ring, so that no one can notice any difference.”
“My dear, this must be put a stop to!” said Lady Haigh, with conviction. “Now that Major North is so much better, there is no need for you to pretend that two doctor’s visits a-day are necessary. Once a-day is quite enough for the present, and then you can drop it altogether.”
“Oh, Lady Haigh! But he looks out for me so eagerly, and is so glad to see me. And I like to see him too.”
“You mustn’t make yourself too cheap, my dear Georgie. Surely you would not wish to cling to a man who has told you in so many words that he is anxious to break off his engagement to you?”