The tone cut like a knife. And the stab it dealt was so deep that Harriet was unable to answer the question which propelled it.
“Why didn’t you mention it, Mrs. Sanderson?”
The blood fled suddenly from Harriet’s cheek. She grew nervous and confused.
“Please answer the question.” There was now a ring of triumph in the pitiless tone.
“I wished to spare his Grace unpleasantness,” stammered Harriet.
“Very thoughtful of you, Mrs. Sanderson,” said Lady Wargrave, bitingly. “No doubt his Grace appreciates your regard for his feelings. But even if that was the motive, surely it was your duty to report the matter to Lady Sarah as soon as it came to your knowledge.”
The hesitation of Harriet grew exceedingly painful to witness.
“Yes,” she said at last. Tears suddenly sprang to her eyes. “I begin to see now that it was my duty. I wish very much that I had mentioned the matter to Lady Sarah.”
Both ladies were so fully set on the overthrow of this serpent that the air of touching, exquisite simpleness went for nothing. But in any case they would have been too obtuse to notice it.
“We all wish that.” Lady Wargrave pursued her advantage pitilessly. “And I am sure I speak for his Grace as well as for the rest of us.” She trained a look of malicious triumph upon the perplexed and frowning face of her brother.