"
"Indeed?" said Viviette. "May I ask why? As this concerns Dick and
myself, perhaps you will leave us alone for a moment so that Dick
may tell me."
"No, no," Dick muttered hurriedly. "Don't leave us, Austin. We can't
talk of such a thing now."
Again she tapped her foot impatiently.
"Yes, now. I'm going to hear the reason now, whatever it is."
The brothers exchanged glances. Dick turned to the window, and stared
at the mellow evening sky.
Austin again was spokesman.
"Dick finds he has made a terrible and cruel mistake. One that concerns
you intimately."
"Whatever Dick may have done with regard to me," replied Viviette, "I
forgave him for it beforehand. When once I give a thing I don't take it
back. I have given him my love and my promise."
"My dear," said Austin, gravely and kindly. "Here are two men who have
loved you all your life. Don't think hardly of us. You must be brave and
bear a great shock. Dick can't marry you."
She looked at him incredulously.
"Can't marry me? Why not?"
"It would be better not to ask.
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