He did not answer until they stood together in the library, with the door closed, and then she repeated the words. Something in her husband's face dismayed her.
"Speak, Ross; I dislike suspense. Tell me at once; what has the boy done?"
"He is married," said the earl, solemnly.
"Great Heaven!" cried my lady. "Married! You cannot mean it. Married—how—whom—when?"
"You will be dreadfully distressed," he began, slowly.
My lady stamped her foot.
"I can bear distress better than suspense. Tell me quickly, Ross, has he disgraced himself?"
"I am afraid so," was the brief reply.
"And I loved him so—I trusted him so; it is impossible; tell me, Ross."
"He has married a farmer's niece. The girl is beautiful. I have seen no one so beautiful; she seems to be well educated and refined. Her uncle has a farm at Rashleigh."