His reaction was to tear it up, into many pieces, and those as small as possible, then put it all on the breakfast room fire. He remembered the woman quite clearly. He had danced with her, several times. She was very comely and had an air about her which was highly attractive. She had wit and, he had thought, intelligence. But she must be out of her senses to have perceived his very slight flirtation as anything more, and supposed that he had even the remotest intent to pursue the relationship, now of all times!

If she really did mean what she seemed to, then he must convince her he had no such thought in mind, nor ever had had.

But then perhaps she had merely expressed herself unfortunately? Better not to mention it at all-to anyone. Let it blow over. He must be a great deal more careful in the future. Handsome women of a certain age were the very devil.

The Honourable John Blenkinsop read his mail with total disbelief. He refolded the letter hastily and was in the act of replacing it in its envelope when his wife, who had no mail this morning, interrupted his train of thought. She had news of her own to discuss, which she had heard the previous evening, only she had retired before he had returned from his club and thus had had no opportunity to pass it on.

“Did you know, John, the most dreadful thing happened in North Audley Street the other day.” She leaned forward over the toast and marmalade.

“Poor Drusilla Wyndham, such a lovely creature, was assaulted in a hansom.

Can you imagine anything so perfectly dreadful? She had asked some man's assistance in a matter, and the man, a very ordinary person, by all accounts, mistook her civility for encouragement and attempted to force his attentions on her! John, are you listening to me?”

“Force his attentions?” he repeated confusedly. “You mean kiss her?”

“Yes, I suppose so,” she agreed. “He even went so far as to tear her gown open at the bosom. The whole thing must have been a nightmare for her, poor creature. She only escaped him by hurling herself out of the hansom, as it was moving, mind you, and fell into the road. How she was not injured, I cannot think.” The letter burned in his hand.

“I wouldn't put too much weight to it, my dear . . .” he began.

“What?” She was aghast. “How can you say such a thing? What on earth do you mean? The man behaved unpardonably!”

“Possibly, my dear, but some women do imagine things to be quite—“

“Imagine?” She was nonplussed. “The man put his hands on her, John! He tore her gown! How can she have imagined that?”