"Herbert had to go up to London; he didn't get your wire in time to put
off the journey," she explained. "I'm sorry he can't be back for a few
days."

"It doesn't matter; he has to attend to his business," George rejoined.
"But where's Sylvia?"

"She hasn't come back from Susan's," said Mrs. Lansing, quickly
changing the subject and explaining why Herbert had re-let the Lodge.
After that, she asked George questions until she sent him off to
prepare for dinner.

George was perplexed as well as disappointed. Neither Ethel nor Muriel
seemed inclined to speak about Sylvia--it looked as if they had some
reason for avoiding any reference to her; but he assured himself that
this was imagination, and during dinner he confined his inquiries to
other friends. When it was over and Muriel led him into the
drawing-room, his uneasiness grew more keen.

"Herbert thought you would like to know as soon as possible how things
were going," Muriel said, as she took a big envelope from a drawer and
gave it to him.

"He told me this was a rough statement of your business affairs."

"Thanks," said George, thrusting it carelessly into his pocket. "I
must study it sometime. But I've been looking forward all day to
meeting Sylvia. Wouldn't Susan let her come?"

Mrs. Lansing hesitated, and then, leaning forward, laid her hand on his
arm.

"I've kept it back a little, George; but you must be told. I'm afraid
it will be a shock---Sylvia is to marry Captain Bland in the next few
weeks."

George rose and turned rather gray in the face, as he leaned on the
back of a chair.

"I suppose," he said hoarsely, "there's no doubt of this?"

"It's all arranged." Mrs. Lansing made a compassionate gesture. "I
can't tell you how sorry I am, or how hateful it was to have to give
you such news."

"I can understand why Sylvia preferred to leave it to you," he said
slowly. "How long has this matter been going on?"

Mrs. Lansing's eyes sparkled with anger.

"I believe it began soon after you left. I don't know whether Sylvia
expects me to make excuses for her, but I won't do anything of the
kind; there are none that could be made. She has behaved shamefully!"

"One must be just," George said with an effort. "After all, she
promised me nothing."

"Perhaps not in so many words. But she knew what you expected, and I
have no doubt she led you to believe--"

George raised his hand.

"I think there's nothing to be said--the thing mu