Socially, the position was awkward. He had a letter from Jacks, a sensible and calmly worded letter, saying that Irene was overwrought by recent agitations, that she had spoken of putting an end to their engagement, but that doubtless a few days would see all right again. Arnold must now be apprised of what had happened, and, as all consideration was due to him, the Doctor despatched a telegram asking him to call as soon as he could. This brought Jacks to Bryanston Square at midday, and there was a conversation in the library. Arnold spoke his mind; with civility, but in unmistakable terms; he accused the Doctor of remissness. "Paternal authority," it seemed to him, should have sufficed to prevent what threatened nothing less than a scandal. Irene's father could not share this view; the girl was turned three-and-twenty; there could be no question of dictating to her, and as for expostulation, it had been honestly tried. "You are aware, I hope," said Jacks stiffly, "that Mrs. Borisoff has not quite an unclouded reputation?" "I know no harm against her." "She is as good as parted from her husband, and leads a very dubious wandering life." "Oh, it's all right. People countenance her who wouldn't do so if there were anything really amiss." "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. Eustace spoke as a lawyer; his professional instincts were outraged. He should certainly call upon the Jacks' and utterly dissociate himself from his sister in this lamentable affair. "Why, what a shock it will be to Mrs. Jacks!"