If Miss Dale knew the game well and could protect her own wicket, let her do so.
She had no doubt as to Crosbie's engagement with Lilian Dale, but she had as little as to his being ashamed of that engagement.

Had he really cared for Miss Dale he would not have left her to come to Courcy Castle.

Had he been really resolved to marry her, he would not have warded all questions respecting his engagement with fictitious answers.

He had amused himself with Lily Dale, and it was to be hoped that the young lady had not thought very seriously about it.

That was the most charitable light in which Lady de Courcy was disposed to regard the question.
It behoved Crosbie to write to Lily Dale before dinner.