“There’s nothing else to tell you,” said Amethyst, suddenly feeling that she would never dare to be alone with Lucian again.
“I don’t think I ought to leave you with the poor child, while you are so unreasonable,” said Lady Haredale.
“I do not choose to ask her such a question even before you,” said Lucian, with dignity.
“Why, what a mountain out of a mole-hill you are making, you dear foolish boy,” exclaimed Lady Haredale. “It is quite true that Major Fowler and Amethyst took a turn together, and met Mr Sylvester Riddell. She gave him a little present the children have clubbed together to buy for him out of their own money, as a congratulation on his engagement. What was it, Amethyst?—a purse, I think? Then it appears that Mrs Leigh saw her with him,—where was it, Amethyst?—in the conservatory?”
“No, mother, she did not,” said Amethyst, who had drawn away from Lucian, and stood upright.
“Oh, my dear child, she couldn’t quite invent it, I think she must have seen you. And if he had kissed you—I shall always maintain that he did no harm. Dear old Tony!—And an engaged man! But if you say that Mrs Leigh was mistaken, of course Lucian is bound to believe you.”
Amethyst did not speak.
“Could it have been some one else—Miss Verrequers herself, or one of the little girls? Shall I call them?”
“Certainly not, Lady Haredale,” said Lucian; “I want no witnesses. Amethyst will explain to me.”
“Well,” said Lady Haredale, still lightly, “I will leave her to do so. She can only tell you what I have told you now. But, Lucian, take care,—I cannot have her word doubted.”