The weird handmaid appeared.
“Nan, Nan, show these people downstairs, and tell Dole to see ’em out! and to mind how he sends unwelcome visitors to me again!” exclaimed the old lady, shaking more and more violently with growing excitement.
“I hope I have given you no cause for offense, madam,” said Justin, deprecatingly.
“Offense! off—offense!” stammered the old lady, with her head nodding fast between palsy and anger. “How dare you mention the name of Britomarte Conyers in my presence?—a toad! a beast! a snake!” And at every epithet she spat with spite. “Show ’em out! show ’em out! show ’em out, Nan!”
“I am very sorry, madam, to hear you speak in this intemperate manner of your niece. I have the highest respect for Miss Conyers,” said Justin, gravely.
“Go! go! go!” sputtered the old creature, letting fall her cane, and seizing a book, which, with all her trembling strength, she launched at the offender. But, of course, the missile fell wide of its mark.
Erminie, shocked, amazed and terrified, clung to the arm of her brother.
“I wish you a better spirit, Miss Pole,” said Justin; and, bowing as courteously as if he were leaving the presence of a queen, who had conferred upon him a grace, he passed out of the room with his sister.
CHAPTER V.
THE RAINBOWS.
Next day the party sailed down the Chesapeake to the Goldsworths’ seaside home, a beautiful spot on the eastern shore called the “Rainbows.” Here they were received by Albert Goldsworth, who bade them a hearty welcome.