"The time will come," she whispered.
Lord Hartledon walked home full of loyal thought, saying to himself what
an utter idiot he had been in regard to Maude, and determined to lose no
time in getting clear of the entanglement. He sought an opportunity of
speaking to her that afternoon; he really did; but could not find it. The
dowager had taken her out to pay a visit.
Mr. Carr was as good as his word, and got down in time for dinner. One
glance at Lord Hartledon's face told him what he half expected to
see--that the word of emancipation had not yet been spoken.
"Don't blame me, Carr. I shall speak to-night before I sleep, on my word
of honour. Things have come to a crisis now; and if I wished to hold back
I could not. I would say what a fool I have been not to speak before;
only you know I'm one already."
Thomas Carr laughed.
"Mrs. Ashton has heard some tattle about Maude, and spoke to me this
afternoon. Of course I could only deny it, my face feeling on fire with
its sense of dishonour, for I don't think I ever told a deliberate lie in
my life; and--and, in short, I should like my marriage with Anne to take
place as soon as possible."
"Well, there's only one course to pursue, as I told you when I was down
before. Tell Lady Maude the candid truth, and take shame and blame to
yourself, as you deserve. Her having known of the engagement to Miss
Ashton renders your task the easier.
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