ought to know it, and in any case you should be more discreet in your
behaviour.'

Hyacinth's eyes flashed.

'Are you engaged?' asked Lady Cannon.

'I must decline to answer. I recognise no right that you or anyone else
has to ask me such a question.'

Lady Cannon rose indignantly, leaving her coffee untouched.

'Very well, Hyacinth; if this is the way you take my kind advice and
well-meant interest, there's nothing more to be said. Of course, I shall
tell Sir Charles what I've heard. From what I can gather from that
excellent young man Mr Ottley, Mr Reeve is by no means a person that Sir
Charles and I would be glad to welcome with open arms, as one of
the family.'

'Cecil Reeve is a friend of mine. There's nothing in the world to be
said against him, and you must really allow me the privilege of choosing
my own friends.'

'Good-bye then,' said Lady Cannon, going to the door. 'I'm pained,
grieved, and shocked at your attitude. I can only presume, however, that
you are not engaged to be married, for surely your first thought would
have been to ask your guardian's consent; and once more let me tell you,
in being reckless as you have, you're simply ruining your future.'

With this Lady Cannon swept from the room.