"I'm of age," declared Viviette fiercely. "I marry whom I choose."
"Of course she can," said Banstead. "Are you taking leave of your senses?"
"How dare you ask a pure girl to marry you?" cried Dick furiously. "You, who have come straight here from--"
Banstead found some spirit. "Shut up, Ware," he interrupted. "Play the game. You've no right to say that."
"I have the right," cried Dick.
"Hush!" said Austin, interposing.
"There's no need to prolong this painful discussion. To-morrow--as Viviette's guardian--"
"To-morrow?" Dick shouted. "Where shall I be to-morrow? Away from here--unable to defend her--unable to say a word."
"If you said a thousand words," said Viviette, "they wouldn't make an atom of difference. Lord Banstead has asked me to marry him. I have accepted him openly. What dare you say to it?"
"Yes," said Banstead. "She has made no bones about it. I've asked her five times. Now she accepts me. What have you to say to it?"