If you hadn't said those unlucky words about being so sure--" "I don't see that they make the slightest difference," answered Constance, her eyebrows raised.

"If you had intended a genuine offer of marriage--yes, perhaps.

But as all you meant was to ask me to save the situation, with no harm to anybody, and the certainty of giving great pleasure to our friend--" "You see it in that light ?" cried Lashmar, flinging away his hat.

"You really think I should be justified?
You are not offended ?" "I credit myself with a certain measure of common sense," answered Constance.
"Then you will allow me to tell Lady Ogram that there is an engagement ?" "You may tell her so, if you like." He seized her hand, and pressed his lips upon it.

But, scarce had he done so, when Constance drew it brusquely away.
"There is no need to play our comedy in private," she said, with cold reproof.