“Sir,” said Miss Thane. “I shall remain here until we have cleared Ludovic’s fair name.”
“But, of course!” said Eustacie, opening her eyes very wide. “What else?”
Sir Tristram told her in a few brief words. When it was made plain to him that both ladies meant to play important parts in Ludovic’s affair, and that neither of them would so much as listen to the notion of retiring, the one to London, the other to Bath, he said roundly that he would have nothing to do with so crazy an escapade. Eustacie at once replied with the utmost cordiality that he might retire from it with her goodwill, but Ludovic objected that since his left arm would be useless for some little time, he would need Tristram to help him with his housebreaking.
“Do you imagine that I am going to break into Basil’s house?” demanded Sir Tristram.
“Why not?” said Ludovic.
“Not only that,” said Miss Thane thoughtfully, “but we might need you if there is to be any fighting. My brother tells me you have a Right.”
“If,” said Sir Tristram forcibly, “you would all of you rid yourselves of the notion that you are living within the pages of one of Mrs Radcliffe’s romances, I should be grateful! Do you realize that tongues are already wagging up at the Court over Eustacie’s ill-judged, unnecessary, and foolish flight? I dare swear the news of it has even now reached Basil’s ears. If she remains here, what am I to tell him?”
“Let me think,” said Miss Thane.
“Don’t put yourself to that trouble!” said Sir Tristram, with asperity. “Eustacie must go to my mother in Bath.”
“I have it!” said Miss Thane, paying no heed to him. “I knew Eustacie in Paris some years ago. Finding myself in the vicinity of her home, I sent to inform her of my arrival, whereupon the dear creature, misliking the Bath scheme, formed the idea of putting herself under my protection. Unfortunately, you, Sir Tristram, knowing nothing of me, and being possessed of a tyrannical disposition—I beg your pardon?”