When he heard her name, a sardonic smile crossed Hammond’s lips. He stood up to receive her, a very different man to the one whom Belle Yorke’s brother had encountered. The marchioness walked in with an angry gleam in her eyes. Hammond at once proceeded to draw first blood. “Show Mr. Despencer in!” he called out to the footman, looking out through the door as if in the expectation of seeing that gentleman outside. “Mr. Despencer is not with me, Mr. Hammond,” said the marchioness shortly, biting her lips. Mr. Hammond affected to be surprised. “I apologize!” he exclaimed, as the footman withdrew. “But this is very good of you, marchioness. Where will you sit?” The marchioness planted herself in an arm-chair. “I suppose you know, Mr. Hammond, why I have called?” Hammond seated himself comfortably in another easy-chair opposite, and crossed his legs. “No, unless it’s about that unfortunate affair last evening.” “Mr. Hammond!” The marchioness darted a glance of withering rebuke at the recalcitrant suitor. “Is that the way in which you refer to the fact that you are engaged to my daughter Victoria?” “_Was_ engaged, excuse me, marchioness,” he corrected, with easy good-nature. “Didn’t you know that I had written to Lady Victoria to beg off?” “It is in consequence of your extraordinary letter that I have come here,” said the marchioness, scowling. “I trust you will have the good sense and right feeling to withdraw it before my daughter is compelled to give it any reply.” “I am afraid I can’t oblige you.” The answer was given quietly enough, but the marchioness looked in his face and saw something there which she did not like. “Have you considered the effect of such a step as this on my daughter’s reputation?” she demanded, with dignity. “I don’t see that it need go beyond ourselves,” Hammond replied. “Nobody else knows of it but Mr. Despencer, and your influence with him--” The marchioness interrupted, breathing angrily: “You are utterly wrong there. The engagement is public property. I understand you yourself have freely mentioned it to your friends.” “I? Never!” He stared at her in amazement. “Pardon me, I have proof of what I say,” she affirmed. “And Victoria has done the same. She has mentioned it to her friends.” “I am sorry to hear that.” The marchioness began to hope. “You must see that, under the circumstances, you have no alternative, as a gentleman, but to withdraw your letter.” “I am afraid I don’t see it. I would much rather leave myself in Lady Victoria’s hands.” “Have you no regard for her feelings, pray?” “Every regard. If she tells me that she still wishes to marry me, I shall keep my word.” “You have no right whatever to throw the decision on her. Have you no consideration for her parents?” Hammond’s lip curled. “I’m afraid I haven’t.” The marchioness glared at him. “Mr. Hammond, are you a gentleman?”