"It is quite possible," said Veronica, "that Miss Holte may have known him before he came here; there is evidently something of the adventuress about her."
But when, a few minutes afterward, Miss Holte entered the room, there was something in the pure lovely face that belied such words.
"Miss Holte," said Lady Dartelle, "I have sent for you on a very painful matter. I need hardly say that during your residence with me I have learned to trust you; but I have heard that which makes me fear my trust may have been misplaced. Is it true that yesterday you met and talked for some time with the servant of Lord Chandon?"
Veronica noted with malicious triumph how the sweet face grew white and a great fear darkened the violet eyes.
Hyacinth opened her lips to speak, but the sound died away upon them.
"Is it true?" asked Lady Dartelle.
"It was quite accidental," she murmured, and she trembled so violently that she was obliged to hold the table for support.
"Governesses do not meet men-servants and talk to them by the hour accidentally," said Veronica.
"You do not deny it, then, Miss Holte?"
"I do not," she replied, faintly. She was thinking to herself, "I shall have time to run away before the blow falls;" and that thought alone sustained her.