“The brute! But, of course, ’tis true?”

No answer.

“Is it not?”

The sobs came faster.

“Of⁠—of course ’tis true, but h-how dared he say so?”

“Di, my love, you really are in love with that boy?”

“I⁠—I⁠—I asked him to marry me⁠—and he wouldn’t!”

“Good gracious heavens!” Miss Betty was genuinely horrified. “My dear Diana!”

“N-not outright⁠—b-but he understood⁠—and⁠—he loves me! And I’d do it again tomorrow, if I could⁠—immodest or no! So there!”

“Yes, yes,” soothed Miss Betty hastily. “Tell me all about it.” Diana lifted her head.