"Excuse me, Lady Vincent; but I must request the favor of a few moments' conversation with you."
"Very well, my lord," answered Claudia, bowing coldly.
He led the way to the drawing room and Claudia followed. Coffee was already served there, and old Cuthbert was in attendance to hand it around.
"You may go, Cuthbert. We can wait on ourselves." said Lord Vincent, as he led his wife to a seat and took one for himself near her.
When the old servant had left the room the viscount turned to
Claudia and said:
"Lady Vincent, I have been obliged to solicit this interview because I have much to say to you, while you give me very few opportunities of saying anything."
Claudia bowed a cold assent and remained silent.
"It is of Mrs. Dugald that I wish to speak to you."
"I am listening, my lord," replied Claudia haughtily.
"Lady Vincent, this arrogant manner towards me will not serve any good purpose. However, it is not on my own score that I came to complain, but on Mrs. Dugald's; that lady's position in this house is a very delicate one."