“No, no. Don’t make any excuses, pray,” said Max, interrupting her. “You see, I’ve been candid, and I’ve no doubt that you’ll give me your permission to call frequently.—But is Miss Bedford coming down?”
Mrs Brandon did not reply; but still smiling pleasantly, she rose, rang the bell, and then resumed her seat.
“Bai Jove! don’t trouble yourself—I can wait,” said Max. “Ladies’ toilets do take a long while sometimes.”
Mrs Brandon smiled, and then rose again, as the hard-faced footman opened the door.
“Edward,” she said in the coolest and most cutting manner, “do you see this gentleman?”
“Yes, ma’am, I see him,” said the astonished servant.
“He has made a mistake in coming here.”
“Yes, ma’am,” said the footman.
“Show him to the door; and if ever he has the impertinence to call here again, either to ask for Miss Bedford or me, order him off the premises; and if he does not immediately go, send for the policeman.”
“Bai Jove!” drawled the astonished Max, “what does this mean?”