Try as she might, she dreaded every such incident as the preliminary to a stormy interview with her father.
"Unless I am greatly mistaken, ma'am," interposed Uncle Horace blandly, "this will be a waiter coming to tell us that supper is ready." As usual, he said the correct thing, and Steingall drew Hermione aside while the table was being spread for the feast.

He lost no time in coming to the point.

His first demand showed that he took nothing for granted.
"I am bound to speak plainly, your ladyship," he said.

"Is the remarkable story told by Mr.John D.Curtis true ?" "Regarding the marriage ?" said Hermione promptly.
"Yes." "Well, as I do not know what he may have said, you can decide that matter for yourself after you have heard my version.

I am a fugitive from Paris, where my father was endeavoring to force me into a detestable union: I am practically a complete stranger in New York: I had arranged with Monsieur de Courtois to become my husband, under a clear agreement for money paid that the marriage should serve only as a shield against my pursuers; he was prevented by some dreadful men from keeping to-night's appointment, and Mr.Curtis came to me, intending to break the news somewhat more gently than one might look for otherwise.
He heard my sad little explanation, and was sorry for me.