'In that case, I can only hope that the lady upon whom your choice has fallen needs an engagement as much as I do,' I replied, trying to stifle a sigh.
'I am extremely sorry that you should be disappointed.'
'You are very kind' (for I felt that he really was sorry); 'but I am accustomed to disappointments; and there is a sort of poetical justice in this, after intruding upon you as I have done,' I said, trying to speak lightly.
'I am very sorry indeed,' he repeated.
'Pray do not think of it, Mr Wentworth,' rising from my seat; 'allow me to'——
'A moment, Miss Haddon. It is of the first importance to find a lady thoroughly competent to undertake the office, and to be candid, I do not feel quite sure that I have succeeded.'
'But if you are committed?'
'I have been considering that, and I do not think that I am wholly committed—only so far as having promised to communicate with one lady goes. For the moment, I could not arrange matters with my conscience. Out of those who were good enough to notice the advertisement only one appeared to me at all suitable. But,' he added apologetically, 'I ought to explain that the requirements are of a somewhat exceptional character.'
'May I ask what they are, Mr Wentworth?'
'Principally tact in dealing with incongruous materials, and the exercise of a healthy influence over a sensitive girl.'