But her ladyship realized, in spite of her detestation of the man, that he was not of the temper of those whose word is to be doubted.
She signed to the footmen.
"Go," she bade them.

"Wait within call." They departed, and Mr.Caryll remained seated for all that her ladyship was standing; it was as if by that he wished to show how little he was minded to move.
Her ladyship's eye fell upon Hortensia.

"Do you go, too, child," she bade her.
Instead, Hortensia came forward.

"I wish to remain, madam," she said.
"Did I ask you what you wished ?" demanded the countess.
"My place is here," Hortensia explained.

"Unless Mr.Caryll should, himself, desire me to depart." "Nay, nay," he cried, and smiled upon her fondly--so fondly that the countess's eyes grew wider.