and trinkets — of her being in such grievous distress, and all for me — very much impaired the little dignity I had been able to muster.

I am afraid I was in a tremulous state for a minute or so, though I did my best to disguise it.

‘There is nothing I can say, sir,’ I returned, ‘except that all the blame is mine. Dora — ’

‘Miss Spenlow, if you please,’ said her father, majestically.

‘ — was induced and persuaded by me,’ I went on, swallowing that colder designation, ‘to consent to this concealment, and I bitterly regret it.’

‘You are very much to blame, sir,’ said Mr. Spenlow, walking to and fro upon the hearth-rug,