" But still
she lingered a little. She felt that her immediate departure might seem
too abrupt; it would look as if she had secured the object of her visit,
and was therefore ready to run away at once. So she chatted a little
further, and looked at the photographs on the wall; and again she hoped
he would be well soon and back at the theatre. At last she said, "Well,
good-bye." Gave him her gloved hand for a second; then she went out and
was joined by her brother. Mangan saw them both down-stairs, and
returned to Lionel's room.
"Had her ladyship any important communication to make?" he asked, in his
careless way.
"She proposed that our engagement should be broken off--and I
consented," said Lionel, simply.
Mangan, who was going to the window, suddenly stood stock-still and
stared, as if he had not heard aright.
"And it is broken off?" he exclaimed.
"Yes."
There was a dead silence. Presently Maurice said,
"Well, that is the best piece of news I have received for many a
day--for you don't seem heartbroken, Linn. And now--have you any
plans?--perhaps you have hardly had time?--"
He was looking at Lionel--wondering whether the same idea was in both
their heads--and yet afraid to speak.
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