"You were," he said, "at Godolphin Court but yesterday, I hear." He paused, and as Sir Oliver offered no denial, he added stiffly: "I am come, sir, to inform you that the honour of your visits is one we shall be happy to forgo." In the effort he made to preserve his self-control before so direct an affront Sir Oliver paled a little under his tan.
"You will understand, Peter," he replied slowly, "that you have said too much unless you add something more." He paused, considering his visitor a moment.

"I do not know whether Rosamund has told you that yesterday she did me the honour to consent to become my wife...." "She is a child that does not know her mind," broke in the other.
"Do you know of any good reason why she should come to change it ?" asked Sir Oliver, with a slight air of challenge.
Master Godolphin sat down, crossed his legs and placed his hat on his knee.
"I know a dozen," he answered.

"But I need not urge them.

Sufficient should it be to remind you that Rosamund is but seventeen and that she is under my guardianship and that of Sir John Killigrew.

Neither Sir John nor I can sanction this betrothal." "Good lack!" broke out Sir Oliver.