Then, with a laugh, she said: "Perhaps I am taking it too gravely.

What is this great thing I must hear ?" "Ah! I hoped we could settle it amicably.

It's merely this: you must release Eugene from his engagement." Kate did not trouble to affect surprise.

She knew it would be useless.
"Did he send you to tell me this ?" "You know he didn't." "Then whose envoy are you?
Ah! perhaps you are Claudia Territon's chosen knight ?" "Not at all," said Ayre, still unruffled.

"I have had no communication with Lady Claudia--a fact of which you have no right to affect doubt." "Then what do you mean ?" "I mean you must release Eugene." "Pray tell me why," asked she calmly, but with a calm only obtained after effort.
"Because it is not usual--and in this matter it seems to me usage is right--it is not usual for a young lady to be engaged to two men at once." "You are merely insolent.