Lady Martlett apparently paid no heed to this movement, but bowed and turned to Aunt Sophia; while the doctor said to himself: “Now, that was very weak, and decidedly impertinent. I deserved a snub.”
“Doctor Scales and I met last week—the day before—really, I hardly recollect,” said Lady Martlett. “It was while I was out for a morning ride. He was polite enough to open a gate for me.”
“Oh, indeed!” said Aunt Sophia quietly; and she wondered why the visitor should be so impressive about so trifling a matter.
“And now, tell me all about the accident,” said Lady Martlett; “I am so fond of the water, and it seems so shocking for such an innocent amusement to be attended with so much risk.”
“I was always afraid of the water,” said Aunt Sophia; “and not without reason,” she added severely; “but against my own convictions I went.”
“But Sir James is in no danger?”
“O dear, no,” said the doctor quickly.
“I am glad of that,” said the visitor, without turning her head, and taking the announcement as if it had come from Aunt Sophia.
“Thanks to Doctor Scales’s bravery and able treatment,” said Aunt Sophia.
“Pray, spare me,” said the doctor, laughing. “I am so accustomed to blame, that I cannot bear praise.”