Society was absolutely flabbergasted when it read in the _Morning Post_ the announcement of Lord Tancred's engagement! No one had heard a word about it.

There had been talk of his going to Canada, and much chaff upon that subject--so ridiculous, Tancred emigrating! But of a prospective bride the most gossip-loving busybody at White's had never heard! It fell like a bombshell.

And Lady Highford, as she read the news, clenched her pointed teeth, and gave a little squeal like a stoat.
So he had drifted beyond her, after all! He had often warned her he would, at the finish of one of those scenes she was so fond of creating.
It was true then, when he had told her before Cowes that everything must be over.

She had thought his silence since had only been sulking! But who was the creature?
"Countess Shulski." Was it a Polish or Hungarian name?
"Daughter of the late Maurice Grey." Which Grey was that?
"Niece of Francis Markrute, Esquire, of Park Lane." Here was the reason--money! How disgusting men were! They would sell their souls for money.

But the woman should suffer for this, and Tristram, too, if she could manage it! Then she wept some tears of rage.