You leap so at conclusions for which no grounds can exist.

His lordship is so overwrought--as well he may be, alas!--that he cares not before whom he speaks.

Is it not plainly so ?" She smiled very sourly.

"You are a very master of evasion, sir.

But your evasion gives me the answer that I lack--that and his lordship's face.
I drew my bow at a venture; yet look, sir, and tell me, has my quarrel missed its mark ?" And, indeed, the sudden fear and consternation written on my lord's face was so plain that all might read it.