Despencer was becoming anxious to withdraw before being favored with any more of Lady Victoria’s sarcasms. The only way to escape was to take her part against the marchioness. He therefore remarked: “A most simple occurrence, which might happen to anybody.” His patroness turned to him indignantly. “Mr. Despencer, do you wish to encourage her?” “I fancy Lady Victoria requires no encouragement from me. She appears to face the situation with admirable nerve. Breeding will tell.” “Go away, directly!” ordered the marchioness. “Yes; where to?” The marchioness hesitated a moment. “To the end of the gallery.” Despencer began to move away. “And wait there for me.” “Am I not always waiting for you, marchioness?” And with a graceful bow to both ladies, he retired to the opposite door to that by which they had just entered. “Aren’t you a little rough with the poor creature?” asked Victoria, in a tone of compassion as he disappeared. “You will break him some day.” “Do you realize what I have just told you?” said her mother, ignoring the remark. “I have forgotten. Wasn’t it something about an offer of marriage? Who did you say it was this time?” “You will drive me distracted! Now, listen to me; this may be your last chance. If you refuse Mr. Hammond you may never get another offer.” “There is always Gerald to fall back upon.” “Another decent offer, I mean,” was the stern retort. “Of course, you can always marry. I dare say a dean or a county court judge, or some one of that sort, would be willing to take you with nothing but your clothes. But this is the last respectable match I shall offer you. I have taken the greatest pains to bring this man to the point, and if you refuse him now I sha’n’t try again.” “You frighten me, mother. I hope you haven’t been resorting to extreme measures against Mr. Hammond! You haven’t been putting pressure on him by threatening to reveal his past?” The marchioness shook her head impatiently. “Answer me plainly, Victoria: do you intend to accept him?” “Are you sure he is going to propose?” “Morally sure. He just asked me where he was likely to find you, and I told him I thought you would be here about this time.” “How did you know that?” asked Victoria, with interest. “Because I meant to look for you myself and send you here,” was the resolute answer. “In these matters I leave nothing to chance.” “You _have_ taken pains!” exclaimed her daughter, with genuine admiration. “But you don’t know that he is going to propose. He may only be going to say good-bye.” “Nonsense! I know perfectly well. I can always tell when a man is going to propose. My judgment has never been deceived.” Victoria affected to conceal a yawn. “Well, I am much obliged to you for warning me. I shall be prepared.” “And you will accept him, won’t you, like a good girl?” pleaded the marchioness, with maternal tenderness. “I haven’t the slightest idea what I shall do,” was the callous reply. “I hope he won’t be sentimental over it.”