The countess appeared, no whit abashed.

Mr.Caryll rose politely.
"You sit with spies to guard your approaches," said she.
"As a precaution against spies," was his lordship's curt answer.
She measured him with a cool eye.

"What is't ye hide ?" she asked him.
"My shame," he answered readily.

Then after a moment's pause, he rose and offered her his seat.

"Since you have thrust yourself in where you were not bidden, you may hear and welcome, ma'am," said he.