Lydia drew back from the smiling fierceness of her brows.
“I’m sorry—but I don’t think I understand. My husband has said nothing to me of—of yours.”
The great black crescents above Mrs. Linton’s eyes met angrily.
“I say—is that true?” she demanded.
Lydia rose from her seat.
“Oh, look here, I didn’t mean that, you know—you mustn’t take one up so! Can’t you see how rattled I am?”
Lydia saw that, in fact, her beautiful mouth was quivering beneath softened eyes.
“I’m beside myself!” the splendid creature wailed, dropping into her seat.
“I’m so sorry,” Lydia repeated, forcing herself to speak kindly; “but how can I help you?”
Mrs. Linton raised her head sharply.