'I really can't,' he said in his previous careless tone.
'Come and sit down,' cried the Countess, imperiously.
'The first trifle is refused. It does not astonish me. I will honour you now by talking seriously to you. I have treated you hitherto as a child. Or, no—' she stopped her mouth; 'it is enough if I tell you, dear, that poor Mrs. Bonner is dying, and that she desires my attendance on her to refresh her spirit with readings on the Prophecies, and Scriptural converse. No other soul in the house can so soothe her.'
'Then, stay,' said Evan.
'Unprotected in the midst of enemies! Truly!'
'I think, Louisa, if you can call Lady Jocelyn an enemy, you must read the Scriptures by a false light.'
'The woman is an utter heathen!' interjected the Countess. 'An infidel can be no friend. She is therefore the reverse. Her opinions embitter her mother's last days. But now you will consent to remain with me, dear Van!'
An implacable negative responded to the urgent appeal of her eyes.
'By the way,' he said, for a diversion, 'did you know of a girl stopping at an inn in Fallow field?'
'Know a barmaid?' the Countess's eyes and mouth were wide at the question.