The thing was going to be much more difficult than he had even thought; he must keep himself under complete control, he knew now. So he turned away to the window and glanced out on the wet park. "My mother called upon you to-day, I believe," he said. "I asked her not to expect you to be at home. It was only to show you that my family will welcome you with affection." "It is very good of them." "The announcement of the engagement will be in the _Morning Post_ to-morrow. Do you mind?" "Why should I mind?" (her voice evinced surprise). "Since it is true, the formalities must take place." "It seems as if it could not be true. You are so frightfully frigid," he said with faint resentment. "I cannot help how I am," she said in a tone of extreme hauteur. "I have consented to marry you. I will go through with all the necessary ceremonies, the presentations to your family, and such affairs; but I have nothing to say to you: why should we talk when once these things are settled? You must accept me as I am, or leave me alone--that is all"--and then her temper made her add, in spite of her uncle's warning, "for I do not care!" He turned now; he was a little angry and nearly flared up, but the sight of her standing there, magnificently attractive, stopped him. This was merely one of the phases of the game; he should not allow himself to be worsted by such speeches. "I expect you don't, but I do," he said. "I am quite willing to take you as you are, or will be." "Then that is all that need be said," she answered coldly. "Arrange with my uncle when you wish me to see your family on my return; I will carry out what he settles. And now I need not detain you, and will say good-bye." And bowing to him she walked towards the door. "I am sorry you feel you want to go so soon," he said, as he sprang forward to open it for her, "but good-bye." And he let her pass without shaking hands. When he was alone in the room he realized that he had not given her the engagement ring, which still reposed in his pocket! He looked round for a writing table, and finding one, sat down and wrote her a few words. "I meant to give you this ring. If you don't like sapphires it can be changed. Please wear it, and believe me to be "Yours, "Tancred." He put the note with the little ring-case, inclosed both in a large envelope, and then he rang the bell. "Send this up to the Countess Shulski," he said to the footman who presently came. "And is my motor at the door?" It was, so he descended the stairs. "To Glastonbury House," he ordered his chauffeur. Then he leaned back against the cushions, no look of satisfaction upon his face. Ethelrida might be having tea, and she was always so soothing and sympathetic. Yes, her ladyship was at home, and he was shown up into his cousin's own sitting-room.