"What is to be done now?" said Lady Standish.
"What is to be done?" said Mistress Bellairs.
"Let us seek Sir Jasper," said his wife, "and tell him the whole truth."
Kitty, through wet eyelashes, shot a glance of withering scorn upon her friend.
"Ay," she said sarcastically, "that would be useful truly. Why, child, let you and me but go and swear your innocence to Sir Jasper, and it will be enough to establish you steeped in guilt in the eyes of every sensible person for the rest of your life. No," said she, "better must be thought of than that. We must act midwife to the lie and start the little family as soon as possible."
"I will lie no more," said Lady Standish.
"I am told," said Mistress Kitty musingly, "that Lord Verney has learned swordsmanship abroad."
"Oh, cruel!" moaned the other.
Mistress Kitty paused, bit a taper finger, scratched an arch eyebrow, drew white brows together, pondered deeply. Suddenly her dimples peeped again.
"I have it!" said she. "'Tis as easy as can be. Will you leave it to me?"