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90 Eveline would not object to break off her engagement, but what had he to offer? His birth was by no means equal to hers, and his fortune was all to make, and an engagement for an indefinite period to a struggling man was what her noble relatives would never consent to, but her remorse and her grief only made the consciousness of his position more painful.

At this point in their conversation they were interrupted by Lady Gower, who guessed there had been something serious passing between them. She looked angrily at her niece, and ordered her to go in, and stay in her own room till she could speak with her. She then turned to the presumptuous lover.

"Tiffs will never do, Mr. Staunton," said she.

"So it appears," replied Staunton.

"We cannot allow of such things in our society. Lady Eveline is my niece, and under my care. She is young and inexperienced, and does not know the world."

"I hope she never may."

"But young as she is, she is engaged," said Lady Gower.

"So Lady Eveline has just told me, and astonished me very much by the information."

"She is engaged to John Derrick, your college friend."