Agnes went to her mother’s room.
“Uncle John wishes to see you,” said she.
“What does he want to see me about?” asked Mrs. Dainty.
“I don’t know. He’s waiting for you over in the sitting-room.”
“Tell him I’m engaged just now.”
But that reply didn’t suit Uncle John at all. His niece had no business to be engaged, to him!
“What is she doing?” he inquired of Agnes.
“Reading.”
“Ah, well! If she can’t come to me, I can, at least, go to her.” And Uncle John left the sitting-room. Mrs. Dainty started and looked confused as Mr. Fleetwood entered her chamber.
“Very particularly engaged?” said the old gentleman, a little sarcastically.