She was in a most trying situation, and all the woman's wit and tact were keenly on their guard.
What she did was this; she did not utter one word of remonstrance, but she addressed most of her remarks to Mr. Little; and, though the remarks were nothing in themselves, she contrived to throw profound respect into them. Indeed, she went beyond respect. She took the tone of an inferior addressing a superior.
This was nicely calculated to soothe Henry, and also to make Coventry, who was a man of tact, change his own manner.
Nor was it altogether without that effect. But then it annoyed Coventry, and made him wish to end it.
After a while he said, “My dear Grace, it can't be far from Raby Hall. I think you had better let me take you home at once.”
Grace colored high, and bit her lip.
Henry was green with jealous anguish.
“Are you quite recovered yourself?” said Grace, demurely, to Mr. Coventry.
“Quite; thanks to this good fellow's hospitality.”
“Then WOULD you mind going to Raby, and sending some people for me? I really feel hardly equal to fresh exertion just yet.”