"Indeed, your ladyship," broke in Hooper, relieved, "I have thought so myself,--the--the irregular habits in regard to spirits are trying."
"I think he would be better away."
"Exactly so, my lady; only I did not like--all the arrangements being, as it were, settled."
Her voice had gained in steadiness by this time. "There need be no alteration. I should remain here, of course." She paused, and Hooper shifted uneasily. "Mr. Wilson had an invitation to Perthshire yesterday. I should like him to accept it. Do you understand?"
"But indeed, my lady, I cannot. To begin with, I am not allowed by Dr. Haddon--"
She stopped him angrily. "If you cannot obey me, there are others--so Dr. Haddon says. I consider this place is bad for Mr. Wilson, and it is my wish he should leave it. Do you hear?"
For the life of her, try after calmness as she would, entreaty and despair made her command falter. He must go--if only to give her time to think; time to settle what course she would choose.
"If your ladyship takes the responsibility--in regard to Dr. Haddon, I mean."
"I take it all--the responsibility for everything."
"Then I will suggest it. I may not succeed; but I will do my best, and if I fail, your ladyship must remember that I was not engaged for such work."