‘Mr. Calvert’s,’ said the lady, with a solemn voice, ‘is it not?’
‘Yes, madam, I am that person.’
‘Thank God!’ said the lady, with a very impressive tone. ‘Here I am safe.’
Billy grew very much puzzled at these words; but hoping that by his silence the lady would proceed to some explanation, he said no more. She, however, seemed to think that nothing further was necessary, and sat still and motionless, with her hands before her and her eyes fixed on Billy.
“‘You seem to forget me, sir?’ said she, with a faint smile.
“‘I do, indeed, madam; the half-light, the novelty of your costume, and the strangeness of the circumstance altogether must plead for me, if I appear rude enough.’
“‘I am Lady Mary Boyle,’ said she.
“‘I do remember you, madam; but may I ask—’
“‘Yes, yes; I know what you would ask. You would say, Why are you here? How comes it that you have so far outstepped the propriety of which your whole life is an example, that alone, at such a time, you appear in the chamber of a man whose character for gallantry—’
“‘Oh, indeed—indeed, my lady, nothing of the kind!’