"Keep out of my sight! I can't bear the sight of any human being! Engaged! 'I am engaged to Miss Lorton!'"—she mimicked Drake's voice in bitter mockery.
Burden started, and let the eau de Cologne bottle fall with a soft thud to the floor.
"What—what name did your ladyship say?" she gasped, her face as white as her mistress's, her eyes starting.
Lady Luce glared at her.
"You fool! Are you deaf? Lorton! Lorton!" she almost snarled at the woman.
Burden stooped to pick up the bottle, but staggered and clutched a chair, and Lady Luce watched her with half-distraught gaze.
"What is the matter with you? Why do you behave like a lunatic?" she demanded. "Do you know this girl? Answer!"
Burden moistened her lips.
"Is it the young lady—who helped catch Ted—I mean the burglar, my lady?" she asked hoarsely.
"I suppose so. Yes. Well? Speak out—don't keep me waiting. I'm in no humor to be trifled with. You know her—something about her?"