'Evelyn is not here.'
Captain Evremonde bowed profoundly, trailing his broad white hat along the sward.
'Do me the favour to read this, madam,' he said, and handed a letter to her.
Lady Jocelyn raised her brows as she gathered the contents of the letter.
'Ferdinand's handwriting!' she exclaimed.
'I accuse no one, madam,—I make no accusation. I have every respect for you, madam,—you have my esteem. I am sorry to intrude, madam, an intrusion is regretted. My wife runs away from her bed, madam, and I have the law, madam, the law is with the husband. No force!' He lashed his cane sharply against his white legs. 'The law, madam. No brute force!' His cane made a furious whirl, cracking again on his legs, as he reiterated, 'The law!'
'Does the law advise you to strike at a tangent all over the country in search for her?' inquired Lady Jocelyn.
Captain Evremonde became ten times more voluble and excited.
Mrs. Mel was heard by the Countess to say: 'Her ladyship does not know how to treat madmen.'
Nor did Sir Franks and Sir John. They began expostulating with him.