For reply, Sir Harold opened the door, and Margaret saw at once that something was wrong.
“I hope that I am not intruding,” she remarked, sweetly. “Dear Theresa is not well?”
“No, Margaret. Lady Annesley is naturally upset by her recent bereavement, and the bustle of busy London is too much for her. I purpose going away to-night, maid or no maid, and you must not take this sudden decision unkindly.”
“My dear cousin! how can you speak so? I am here for your pleasure alone,” Miss Nugent said.
“I believe you, Margaret,” replied Sir Harold. “And now I will leave you two together while I hunt up Stimson and give him imperative orders. I shall probably go for a last stroll also.”
He kissed Theresa tenderly, and Margaret saw the action with jealous anger.
“He is very fond of you, Theresa,” she observed, when her cousin was gone; “but you must not be too exacting; he is already sacrificing so much for you. I suppose that it is your wish to fly from London because of Lady Elaine Seabright, and I am pleased that you think so well of my advice.”
“I do not care to discuss the matter,” Lady Annesley said, coldly. “In all things I wish to please my husband.”
“You do not like me, my lady,” was Margaret’s next shaft. “I know that you do not like me. Why is it?”
“Because you are not my friend. A woman’s instincts rarely err!” Theresa replied.