"You call me Madaline," she said again--"but I do not know you."
Before answering her, Lord Mountdean turned to Margaret.
"Will you leave us alone?" he requested, but Lady Arleigh stretched out her hand.
"That is my mother," she said--"she must not be sent away from me."
"I will not be long away, Madaline. You must listen to what this gentleman says--and, my dear, do not let it upset you."
Mrs. Dornham retired, closing the door carefully behind her, and Lady Arleigh and the earl stood looking at each Other.
"You call we Madaline," she said, "and you send my mother from me. What can you have to say?" A sudden thought occurred to her. "Has Lord Arleigh sent you to me?" she asked.
"Lord Arleigh!" he repeated, in wonder. "No, he has nothing to do with what I have to say. Sit down--you do not look strong--and I will tell you why I am here."
It never occurred to him to ask why she had named Lord Arleigh. He saw her sink, half exhausted, half frightened, upon the couch, and he sat down by her side.
"Madaline," he began, "will you look at me, and see if my face brings back no dream, no memory to you? Yet how foolish I am to think of such a thing! How can you remember me when your baby-eyes rested on me for only a few minutes?"