Lady Caroline turned pale—with anger or fear—perhaps both.
"You have not properly answered your mistress's question," said Mr. Halifax.
"Master says, sir—begging my lady's pardon for repeating it—but he says, 'My lady went out against his will, and she may come home when and how she likes.'"
"My lady" burst out laughing, and laughed violently and long.
"Tell him I will. Be sure you tell him I will. It is the last and the easiest obedience."
John sent the lacquey out of the room; and Ursula said something about "not speaking thus before a servant."
"Before a servant! Why, my dear, we furnish entertainment for our whole establishment, my husband and I. We are at the Mythe what the Prince Regent and the Princess of Wales are to the country at large. We divide our people between us; I fascinate—he bribes. Ha! ha! Well done, Richard Brithwood! I may come home 'when and how I like!' Truly, I'll use that kind permission."
Her eyes glittered with an evil fire: her cheeks were hot and red.
"Mrs. Halifax, I shall be thrown on your hospitality for an hour or two longer. Could you send a letter for me?"
"To your husband? Certainly."