"Unfortunately it wasn't Beresford," said Ronald, and walked away.
Elizabeth had no mind to acquiesce in Ronald's surrender, and throughout a dreary evening, in which the spirit had left the forms of their amusements vacant, her brain was busy with arguments for beating down Nancy's obstinacy.
"This can't really be your last night here," she said, when bedtime had come and she and Helen and Nancy were in the privacy of their own room. "We won't allow it."
"I must go back to my father first," Nancy answered in a firm voice. "I must ask him if I can stay longer."
"Oh yes, I know what that means. It means you won't come back. Honestly, Nancy, doesn't it?"
"Perhaps it does," the other girl admitted.
"And it means you will have to marry that Chinese."
Nancy was startled. The fact of her engagement had always lurked between them, but had never been mentioned. She had hoped this last night might pass without its being mentioned. But the fiery Elizabeth was tired of evasions.
"Doesn't it?" she challenged.
"Yes," Nancy confessed.