He supposed that mechanical voice was his own. Through his brain thrummed the thought: “It is for Dick’s sake⁠ ⁠… for Dick’s sake. For Dick’s sake you must be silent.” Resolutely he pulled himself together.

“It will stand in the way⁠—of what?” asked Diana.

“I can never ask a woman to be my wife,” he replied.

Diana wantonly stripped a rose of its petals, letting each fragrant leaf flutter slowly to the ground.

“I do not see why you cannot, sir.”

“No woman would share my disgrace.”

“No?”

“No.”

“You seem very certain, Mr. Carr. Pray have you asked the lady?”