“No,” said she, quickly catching, at the sound of the word, “I am not a savage!” And there was a fierce energy in the way she spoke actually startling.
“My dear child,” said he, gently, “I did not call you so.”
“And if he had,” interposed Miss Courtenay, “gentlemen are not accustomed to be rebuked by such as you!”
The girl’s face grew scarlet; she clenched her hands together, and the joints cracked as the fingers strained and twisted in her grasp.
“You have much to learn, Kitty,” said Lady Vyner; “but if you are a good child, gentle and obedient, we will try and teach you.”
The child curtseyed her thanks.
“Take off that odious bonnet, Georgy, and let us see her better.”
The girl stared with amazement at hearing her head-dress so criticised, and followed it with her eyes wistfully.
“Yes; she is much better now.”
“What splendid hair!” said Sir Within, in French.