Perrote made no reply to the petulant words and action. An expression of tender pity crossed her face, as she stooped and lifted the torn barb, and examined the rent, with as much apparent calmness as if it had been damaged in the washing. There was evidently more in her than she suffered to come forth.
Note 1. This action, in the estimation of the time, was merely equivalent to a cordial shaking of hands between the Countess and her deliverers.
Chapter Five.
New and Strange.
“I stretched mine empty hands for bread,
And see, they have given me stones instead!”
“B.M.”
Before anything more could be said, the door opened, and Lady Foljambe came in. She addressed herself at once to Perrote.
“Did I not bid you alway to lock the door when you should enter? Lo, here it is unlocked. Wherefore have you a key apart from mine, but that you should so do?”