Banstead's pallid cheeks flushed. He was overcome with confusion.
"Of course I mean it--meant to ask you again to-day--ask you now."
"Then I will marry you."
Dick strode forward, and, catching her by the wrist, swung her away from Banstead, his face aflame with sudden passion.
"No, by God, you shan't!"
Banstead retreated a few paces, scared out of his life. Mrs. Ware sought Austin's protecting arm.
"What does all this mean? I don't understand it."
Austin led her to the door. "I'll see nothing unpleasant happens, dear. You had better go and tell them to keep back dinner yet a few minutes."
His voice and authority soothed her, and she left the room, casting a terrified glance at Dick, standing threateningly over Lord Banstead, who had muttered something about Viviette being free to do as she liked.
"She can do what she likes, but, by God! she shan't marry you."