“I shall prosecute him for assaulting Goodenough,” the Marchesa announced.
“Goodenough touched him first!” cried Norah.
“That doesn’t matter, since I’m in the right. He had no business to be there. That’s the law, isn’t it, Mr Stillford? Will he be sent to prison or only heavily fined?”
“Well—er—I’m rather afraid—neither, Marchesa. You see, he’ll plead his right, and the Bench would refer us to our civil remedy and dismiss the summons. At least, that’s my opinion.”
“Of course that’s right,” pronounced Norah in an authoritative tone.
“If that’s the English law,” observed the Marchesa, rising from the table, “I greatly regret that I ever settled in England.”
“What are you going to do this afternoon, Helena? Going to play tennis—or croquet?”
“I’m going for a walk, thank you, Violet.” She paused for a moment and then added, “By myself.”
“Oh, mayn’t I have the privilege——?” began the Colonel.
“Not to-day, thank you, Colonel Wenman. I—I have a great deal to think about. We shall meet again at tea—unless you’re all going to tea at Scarsmoor Castle!” With this Parthian shot she left them.