"Pardon me a moment, my lady," said Mr. Boyd, pretending to make certain calculations on paper, and presently adding, "I can't positively promise, but you shall be sure to have it on that date."
"Oh, very well, very well," said Lady Wharton, "I see that I am expected to agree to everything. And now, Mr. Boyd, our business is over, I think. Bless my soul, how dismally the wind sounds in this house! If I don't get out of it quickly John will think I've been spirited away. Don't trouble to come down; one of your servants can see me to the door."
"I keep no servants, my lady," he replied. "A charwoman comes when I send for her. That is my life."
"Do you mean to tell me that you live here quite alone?"
"Quite alone, my lady, quite alone, and safer and more secure than if my house was full of servants."
"Mr. Boyd," said Lady Wharton, tapping him lightly on the arm, "you should marry."
"What did your ladyship say yourself about women when you entered the house," he answered slyly.
She laughed heartily at this retort, and following him down the stairs as he led the way with a light, bade him good night at the street door.
"John," she said to her confidential man as he conducted her to her carriage, "the house is like a grave."
"I was thinking that myself, my lady," said John.