"Broke the engagement!" she cried in dismay.
"Abruptly and, apparently, finally.

I--I didn't dare tell you before." She so longed for sympathy that she half-hoped the old lady would show signs of being touched by the plight which that situation meant.

But no sign came.

Instead, Madam Bowker pierced her with wrathful eyes and said in a furious voice: "This is frightful! And you have done nothing ?" She struck the floor violently with her staff.

"He must be brought to a sense of honor--of decency! He must! Do you hear?
It was your fault, I am sure.