“Together? a son of mine consorting with that viper's brood!”
“What does that poor child know? Oh, find him for me, if you love that dear child's mother!'”
Sir Charles hurried out directly, but was met at the door by a servant, who blurted out, “The men have dragged the fish-ponds, Sir Charles, and they want to know if they shall drag the brook.”
“Hold your tongue, idiot!” cried Sir Charles, and thrust him out; but the wiseacre had not spoken in vain. Lady Bassett moaned, and went into worse hysterics, with nobody near her but Reginald.
That worthy, never having seen a lady in hysterics, and not being hardened at all points, uttered a sympathetic howl, and flung his arms round her neck. “Oh! oh! oh! Don't cry, mamma.”
Lady Bassett shuddered at his touch, but did not repel him.
“I'll find him for you,” said the boy, “if you will leave off crying.”
She stared in his face a moment, and then went on as before.
“Mamma,” said he, getting impatient, “do listen to me. I'll find him easy enough, if you will only listen.”
“You! you!” and she stared wildly at him.