I should speak to Maude alone, and put her upon her generosity to release you.

Tell her you presumed upon your cousinship; and confess that you have long been engaged to marry Miss Ashton." "She knows that: they have both known it all along.

My brother was the first to tell them, before he died." "They knew it ?" inquired Mr.Carr, believing he had not heard correctly.
"Certainly.

There has been no secret made of my engagement to Anne.

All the world knows of that." "Then--though I do not in the least defend or excuse you--your breaking with Lady Maude may be more pardonable.