"
"Well, Dr. Derwent," said the young man in a conclusive tone,
"evidently all is at an end. It remains for us to agree upon the
manner of making it known. Should the announcement come from your
side or from mine?"
The Doctor reflected.
"You no longer propose to wait the effect of a little time?"
"Emphatically, no. This step of Miss Derwent's puts that out of the
question."
"I see--Perhaps you feel that, in justice to yourself, it should
be made known that she has done something of which you disapprove?"
Arnold missed the quiet irony of this question.
"Not at all. Our engagement ended yesterday; with to-day's events I
have nothing to do."
"That is the generous view," said Dr. Derwent, smiling pleasantly.
"Do you know, I fancy we had better each of us tell the story in his
own way. It will come to that in the end, won't it? You had a
disagreement; you thought better of your proposed union; what more
simple? I see no room for scandal."
"Be it so. Have the kindness to acquaint Miss Derwent with what has
passed between us."
After dinner that evening, Dr. Derwent related the matter to his
son. Eustace was astounded, and presently indignant. It seemed to
him inconceivable that Arnold Jacks should have suffered this
affront. He would not look at things from his sister's point of
view; absurd to attempt a defence of her; really, really, she had
put them all into a most painful position! An engagement was an
engagement, save in the event of grave culpability on either side.
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