"That you would go."
Mr. Vyner started, and half rose to his feet. Then he thought better of it.
"I thought at first that you meant it," he said, with a slight laugh.
"I do mean it," said Joan, breathing quickly.
Robert rose at once. "I am very sorry," he said, with grave concern. "I did not think that you were taking my foolishness seriously."
"I ought to be amused, I know," said Joan, bitterly. "I ought to be humbly grateful to your father for having those children sent here. I ought to be flattered to think that he should remember my existence and make plans for my future."
"He—he believes that you are married to Captain Trimblett," said Robert.
"Fortunately for us," said Joan, dryly.
"Do you mean," said Robert, regarding her fixedly, "that my father arranged that marriage?"
Joan bit her lip. "No," she said at last.