“He is the only man I will ever marry! So you may cease looking higher for me! I suppose you want me to marry that great gaby, Sir Denis Fabian, you are forever inviting to the house? Or, perhaps, this gallant Mr. Bettison? Or Mr. Everard? How can you be so unkind?”

“I am not. But I could not bear to see you throw yourself away on a highwayman, my dear.”

Diana ran to her, putting her arms round her neck.

“Dearest auntie, forgive my rudeness! I know you did not mean to be unkind! But you do not understand⁠—I love him.”

“I always said you’d take it badly,” nodded Miss Betty gloomily.