"Do you think George would like your playing with Captain De Baron?"
"Why not with Captain de Baron?" said Mary, turning round upon her assailant with absolute ferocity.
"I don't think he would like it. And then that fortune-telling! If you will believe me, Mary, it was very improper."
"I will not believe anything of the kind. Improper!—a joke about a lot of picture-cards!"
"It was all about love and lovers," said Lady Susanna, not quite knowing how to express herself, but still sure that she was right.
"Oh, what a mind you must have, Susanna, to pick wrong out of that! All about love and lovers! So are books and songs and plays at the theatre. I suppose you didn't understand that it was intended as a burlesque on fortune-telling?"
"And I am quite sure George wouldn't like the kind of slang you were talking with Captain De Baron at lunch."
"If George does not like anything he had better tell me so, and not depute you to do it for him. If he tells me to do anything I shall do it. If you tell me I shall pay no attention to it whatever. You are here as my guest, and not as my governess; and I think your interference very impertinent." This was strong language,—so strong that Lady Susanna found it impossible to continue the conversation at that moment. Nothing, indeed, was said between them during the whole afternoon, or at dinner, or in the evening,—till Lady Susanna had taken up her candlestick.
There had been that most clearly declared of all war which is shown by absolute silence. But Lady Susanna, as she was retiring to rest, thought it might be wise to make a little effort after peace. She did not at all mean to go back from what charges she had made. She had no idea of owning herself to be wrong. But perhaps she could throw a little oil upon the waters. "Of course," she said, "I should not have spoken as I have done but for my great love for George and my regard for you."
"As far as I am concerned, I think it a mistaken regard," said