human
I've had the queerest letter from Uncle Jarrott, she began, breathlessly.
gpt
The poor old dear--well, something must be the matter with him. I can't for the life of me imagine what Herbert can have told him, but he doesn't understand a bit.
human
How does he show it?--that he doesn't understand.
gpt
Why, he simply talks wild--that's how he shows it. He says I am not to consider myself engaged to Herbert--that I was never engaged to him at all. I wonder what he calls it, if it isn't engaged, when I have a ring--and everything.
human
It is rather mystifying. Miriam tried to smile.
gpt
I suppose he means that having given your word to Herbert Strange, you're not to consider yourself bound to Norrie Ford, unless you want to.
human
Pff! I don't care anything about that. I never liked the name of Herbert--or Strange, either. I told you that before. All the same, I wish Uncle Jarrott would have a little sense.
gpt
Suppose--I mean, just suppose, dear--he felt it his duty to forbid your engagement altogether. What would you do then?
human
It wouldn't be very nice of him, I must say. He was as pleased as Punch over it when I was down there. If he's so capricious, I don't see how he can blame me.
gpt
Blame you, for what, dear?
human
For staying engaged--if it's all right.
gpt
But if he thought it wasn't all right?
human
You do, don't you?
gpt
That isn't the question--
human
No, but it's _a_ question. I presume you don't mind my asking it?
gpt
You may ask me anything, darling--of course. But this is your uncle Jarrott's affair, and yours. It wouldn't do for me--
human
Oh, that's so like you Miriam. You'd exasperate a saint--the way you won't give your opinion when you've got one. I wish I could ask Billy. He'd know. But of course I couldn't, when he thinks I'm still engaged to _him_.
gpt
What do you want to ask him, Evie, dear?
human
Well, he's a lawyer. He could tell me all about what it's all about. I'm sure _I_ don't know. I didn't think it was anything--and yet here's Uncle Jarrott writing as if it was something awful. He's written to Aunt Queenie, too. Of course I must stand by Herbert, whatever happens--if it isn't very bad; but you can see yourself that I don't want to be mixed up in a--a--in a scandal.
gpt
It would hardly be a scandal, dear; but there would be some--some publicity about it.
human
I don't mind publicity. I'm used to that, with my name in the paper every other day. It was in this morning. Did you see it?--the Gresley's dance. Only I do wish they would call me Evelyn, and not Evie. It sounds so familiar.
gpt
I'm afraid they'd put more in about you than just that.
human
Would they? What?
gpt
I can't tell you exactly what; but it would be things you wouldn't like.
human
Well, I mean to be true to him--a while longer, she said, at last, as if coming to a conclusion.
gpt
I'm not going to let Uncle Jarrott think I'm just a puppet to be jerked on a string. The idea! When he was as pleased as Punch about it himself. And Aunt Helen said she'd give me my trousseau. I suppose I sha'n't get that now. But there's the money you offered me for the pearl necklace. Only I'd much rather have the pearl--Well, I'll be true to him, do you see? We're leaving for Newport the day after to-morrow. They say there hasn't been such a brilliant summer for a long time as they expect this year. Thank goodness, there's something to take my mind off all this care and worry and responsiblity, otherwise I think I should pass away. But I shall show Uncle Jarrott that he can't do just as he likes with me, anyhow.