Page:A strange, sad comedy (IA strangesadcomedy00seawiala).pdf/283

Rh Farebrother stayed two weeks altogether at Corbin Hall on that visit; and before he left Sir Archibald Corbin arrived.

The status of affairs looked decidedly unpleasant to Sir Archy. After he had been there a day or two, he went for a walk with Letty in the woods—the very path they had taken that autumn evening two months before—and Sir Archy presently demanded to know if she was engaged to Farebrother.

"What a very singular inquiry," replied Letty, haughtily. "Surely you can't expect me to answer it."

"I would scarcely expect you to hesitate about denying it if it were not true—and if it were true, and you kept it a secret, it would be a very grave reflection on you, which I should be loath to entertain," responded Sir Archy, with equal haughtiness.

"A reflection on me to be engaged to Mr. Farebrother," cried Letty, whirling around on him.

"I meant, of course, secretly," answered Sir Archy, stiffly.

"Do you mean to say that I would be guilty of the shocking indelicacy of proclaiming my engagement to the world—if I were