Sir Maurice kissed her hand with punctilious politeness. He then smiled at Cleone, who stood by the table, pale and wan-looking. "I hope I see you well, Cleone?" "Very well, thank you, sir," said Cleone dully. Lady Malmerstoke sat down. "Clo has disgraced me," she said comfortably. "Is it not exciting?" Cleone turned her head away. Sir Maurice saw her lips tremble. "Please, Aunt--please don't--don't--I shall wed--Sir Deryk." "And what's to happen to t'other? You can't wed two men, my dear. I'm not sure that I shall consent to your marrying either." "Sir Deryk--has my word." "But so has James." "What's this?" Sir Maurice spoke with well-feigned astonishment. "Cleone, you are not betrothed, surely?" "To two men," nodded her aunt. "I have never been so amused in my life. I always considered myself to be flighty, but I'll swear I never was engaged to two men at one and the same time!" Cleone sat down, staring out of the window and biting her lips. "What!" cried Sir Maurice in liveliest horror. "Engaged to two men? Cleone!" The golden head was bowed. A great sob shook Cleone. "But--good heavens, my dear! This is dreadful! How could such a thing have come to pass?" "Of course it's dreadful," said her ladyship. "Think of the scandal when it is known. And that'll be soon, I'll wager. Brenderby will never keep such a piece of spice to himself." As she spoke, one of her eyelids flickered. Sir Maurice smiled, unseen by Cleone. "You--forget, Aunt. I am going to--wed--Sir Deryk." A shudder ran through her at the thought. "But I don't understand! Tell me how it happened, Cleone!" "Yes, tell him, Clo. Mayhap he can help you." "No one can help me," said Cleone miserably. "I must bear the pain of my own folly. I--oh, I have been so wicked!" "Now, Cleone? Why? What happened?" "I may as well tell you. It will be all over town by to-night--everyone will know me for a flirtatious, flighty woman. I--" "You won't have a shred of reputation left," said her aunt maliciously. Cleone started. "Rep--Oh, and I said--!" "Said what, my love?" "Naught. I--I--oh, Sir Maurice, Sir Maurice, I am so unhappy!" Cleone burst into tears. Sir Maurice patted one heaving shoulder. "There, there, Cleone! Tell me all about it!" "It--it was at the ball last n-night. I--I--no, first James proposed--to me, and I said yes, but I didn't mean it!" "You said yes, but you didn't mean it?" "I didn't hear what he said--I--I said yes because he worried so! And--and he knew I didn't mean it, for he walked away. Then I--I--went with Sir Deryk to a room apart--" "Cle-one!" "Oh, I know, I know! It was terrible of me, but I was so upset--I hardly cared what I did!" "But why were you upset? Because James had proposed?"