“I cannot,” repeated Aurelia.
“You cannot, you insolent, vulgar, low”—
“Hush! hush, my lady,” entreated Loveday. “Come away, I beg of your ladyship!”
“Not till I have made that impudent hussy give me that ring,” cried Belle, stamping violently. “What’s that you say?”
“That your ladyship asks what is impossible,” said Aurelia, firmly.
“Take that then, insolent minx!” cried the girl, flying forward and violently slapping Aurelia’s soft cheeks, and making a snatch at her hair.
Loveday screamed, Letty cried, but Fidelia and Bob both rushed forward to Aurelia’s defence, one with her little fists clenched, beating Lady Belle back, the other tearing at her skirts with his teeth. At that moment a man’s step was heard, and a tall, powerful officer was among them, uttering a fierce imprecation. “You little vixen, at your tricks again,” he said, taking Belle by the waist, while she kicked and screamed in vain. She was like an angry cat in his arms. “Be quiet, Belle,” he said, backing into the sitting-room. “Let Loveday compose your dress. Recover your senses and I shall take you home: I wish it was to the whipping you deserve.”
He thrust her in, waved aside Loveday’s excuses about her ladyship not being denied, and stood with his back to the door as she bounced shrieking against it from within.
“I fear this little devil has hurt you, madam,” he said.
“Not at all, I thank you, sire.” said Aurelia, though one side of her face still tingled.