The rustling sound of a silk dress had caught her ear.

Lady Janet was leaving the room, with Horace, by way of the conservatory.

With a last desperate effort of resolution, Grace sprung forward and placed herself in front of them.
"One word, Lady Janet, before you turn your back on me," she said, firmly.

"One word, and I will be content.

Has Colonel Roseberry's letter found its way to this house or not?
If it has, did a woman bring it to you ?" Lady Janet looked--as only a great lady can look, when a person of inferior rank has presumed to fail in respect toward her.
"You are surely not aware," she said, with icy composure, "that these questions are an insult to Me ?" "And worse than an insult," Horace added, warmly, "to Grace!" The little resolute black figure (still barring the way to the conservatory) was suddenly shaken from head to foot.