Pandora was not eavesdropping. It was only by accident that she found herself overhearing the horrifying conversation between her uncle and guardian--the Bishop of Lindchester--and his wife.

"I have not had a chance to tell you," began Pandora's uncle, "that Prosper Witheridge asked me yesterday if he could pay his addresses to Pandora."

"You mean to say he wishes to marry her?" asked the Bishop's wife. "She should be grateful, deeply grateful, that a good man should wish to make her his wife."

Pandora suddenly realised that she had been holding her breath for so long that she was now gasping for air.

Prosper Witheridge! Was it possible for one moment to entertain the idea of him as a husband?