“So you are putting me off your place? Oh, how lovely!”
“It is n't far, you know—just down by those big rocks. Your line is there. Of course,” he went on politely, “you know that there is a feud.”
“Oh, yes; I've heard you discussed. Besides, I met Tompkins and James this morning. Pardon me, Mr. Shaw, but I fancy I can get on without being led. Would you mind—”
“My dear madam, there is no alternative. I have taken a solemn vow personally to eject all Bazelhurst trespassers from my place. You forget that I am, by your orders, to be thrown into the river and all that. Don't be alarmed! I don't mean to throw you into the river.”
“By my orders? It seems to me that you have confused me with Lord Bazelhurst.”
“Heaven has given me keener perception, your ladyship. I have seen his lordship.”
“Ah, may I inquire whether he was particularly rough with you this afternoon?”