Horatia’s lips parted. “Rule, d-did you push him in?” she asked breathlessly.
“You see I had to dispose of him somehow,” said his lordship. “He was really quite de trop, and the lily-pond so conveniently situated.”
Horatia gave up all attempt to preserve her gravity, and went off into a peal of laughter. “Oh, R-Rule, how famous! I w-wish I had seen it!” A thought occurred to her; she said quickly: “He w-won’t call you out, will he?”
“Alas, I fear there is no likelihood of that,” Rule replied. “You see, Horry, you are my wife—a circumstance that makes Lethbridge’s position a little awkward.”
She was not satisfied. “R-Rule, suppose he tries to do you a m-mischief?” she said anxiously.
“I hardly think he would succeed,” said Rule, unconcerned.
“W-well, I don’t know, but I wish you will take care, Marcus.”
“I promise you you need have no fear for me, my dear.”
She looked a trifle uncertain, but allowed the matter to drop. She said rather gruffly: “And perhaps you will tell Lady M-Massey that it was you all the time?”
His mouth hardened. “Lady Massey,” he said deliberately, “need not trouble you—in any way, Horry.”