She had him at the edge of the precipice. He escaped by saying, 'Her Christian name was asked the other day, and I mentioned it. She is addressed by me as Lady Ormont.'
'And by her groom and her footman. They all do; it 's the indemnity to that class of young woman. Her linendraper is Lady-Ormonting as you do. I took you for a gentleman. Let me hear you give her that title again, you shall hear her true one, that the world fits her with, from me.'
The time was near the half-hour bell before dinner, the situation between them that of the fall of the breath to fetch words electrical. She left it to him to begin the fight, and was not sorry that she had pricked him for it.
A footman entered the room, bearer of a missive for Mr. Weyburn. Lord
Ormont's groom had brought it from London.
'Send in the man,' said Lady Charlotte.
Weyburn read
'The Countess of Ormont begs Mr. Weyburn to return instantly. There has been an accident in his home. It may not be very serious. An arm—a shock to the system from a fall. Messenger informs her, fear of internal hemorrhage. Best doctors in attendance.'
He handed Lady Charlotte the letter. She humped at the first line, flashed across the remainder, and in a lowered voice asked—
'Sister in the house?'
'My mother,' Weyburn said.