Mrs. Lansing hesitated, and then, leaning forward, laid her hand on his arm.
"I've kept it back a little, George; but you must be told. I'm afraid it will be a shock—-Sylvia is to marry Captain Bland in the next few weeks."
George rose and turned rather gray in the face, as he leaned on the back of a chair.
"I suppose," he said hoarsely, "there's no doubt of this?"
"It's all arranged." Mrs. Lansing made a compassionate gesture. "I can't tell you how sorry I am, or how hateful it was to have to give you such news."
"I can understand why Sylvia preferred to leave it to you," he said slowly. "How long has this matter been going on?"
Mrs. Lansing's eyes sparkled with anger.
"I believe it began soon after you left. I don't know whether Sylvia expects me to make excuses for her, but I won't do anything of the kind; there are none that could be made. She has behaved shamefully!"
"One must be just," George said with an effort. "After all, she promised me nothing."
"Perhaps not in so many words. But she knew what you expected, and I have no doubt she led you to believe—"