There was a double cry.
“Mr. Stafford!” screamed Pamela and Mrs. Lafone together. Pamela dropped the hand she was slapping with such good will, and Mrs. Lafone sat bolt upright.
“Did you say my Lady was expecting Mr. Stafford?” asked Pamela. She was in such amazement she could not give a thought to the patient’s miraculous recovery.
“Well, and upon my word, and why should not my Lady invite Mr. Stafford? What’s took you? And as for you, ma’am, if ever I see a lady come out of a swound as you have sudden-like this minute——”
But the invalid interrupted, rising to her feet, clasping her dishevelled head with both hands, and staring from one to the other, as if she or they were mad.
“When was Mr. Stafford invited? What do you know about his having been expected? Heavens, woman, answer me! ’Tis a matter of life and death for me.”
“Mercy on us! Shall you be giving us the screaming vapours next, ma’am? I happen to know—if you must have it—that my Lady only heard of his presence in Weymouth at seven of the clock this evening, and nothing would serve her but he must be sent to that instant minute.”
“Take me to the balcony you spoke of,” said Mrs. Lafone, in an extinct voice.
Her clothes were hanging off her back, as Lydia shockedly pointed out; and her hair was a sight for the crows; and my Lady had only given leave for her own woman (though she wouldn’t mind Pam); Lydia felt sure she wouldn’t, so to speak, care about people as isn’t asked to the supper party, spying on His Highness in that common kind of way!
But Mrs. Lafone produced a gold piece with so much promptitude that her bodice was pinned together, her mantle brought, and her still tottering steps guided to the upper passage and to the gallery in a remarkably short space of time. The balcony was filled with palms and flowering plants. If anyone had thought of looking up, and chanced to see the narrow, white face and fiery eyes peering down at them, they might have thought some witch had flown in on her broomstick to cast a baleful spell upon the cheerful company.