They can be told that you were suddenly called away.

Let them suppose we had a quarrel, and that our engagement is broken," and she laughed again, evidently vastly amused at the idea.
"But you, personally ?" he insisted.
She sobered instantly, also rising, and facing him.
"Captain West, let us be sensible.

I invited you here for a certain purpose.

You were employed as much as any of my other servants.

Is that a sufficient answer ?" "It certainly is.