Mrs. Plunket sat bolt upright, as if moved by an invisible spring.
“The Countess of Something!” said she.
Upon one side of her face was incredulity, upon the other was dismay. She then looked at Mrs. Bateman blankly.
“The Countess of Crewkerne,” said Miss Featherbrain, with an air of triumph.
Mrs. Bateman gave a little howl.
“Oh lord!” she cried, “haven’t I just put my foot in it? It means a month’s notice.”
Mrs. Bateman simply turned and bolted. Mrs. Plunket, as became her exalted position, was of stouter fiber.
“Miss Perry,” said she, with a dignity that was really admirable, “I apologize for a most unfortunate mistake. I regret it exceedingly. I hope you will be so kind as not to mention the matter to her ladyship.”
“Not at all,” said Miss Perry, with charming amiability.
Mr. Marchbanks was promptly summoned.