To all this Sir Lionel listened without one word of any kind, and at length Miss Plympton ended.
“Well, madam,” said he, “it may surprise you that I have not made any comments on your astonishing story. If it had been less serious I might have done so. I might even have indulged in profane language—a habit, madam, which, I am sorry to say, I have acquired from not frequenting more the society of ladies. But this business, madam, is beyond comment, and I can only say that I rejoice and feel grateful that you decided as you did, and have come at once to me.”
“Oh, I am so glad, and such a load is taken off my mind!” exclaimed Miss Plympton, fervently.
“Why, madam, I am utterly astounded at this man's audacity,” cried Sir Lionel—“utterly astounded! To think that any man should ever venture upon such a course! It's positively almost inconceivable. And so you tell me that she is there now?”
“Yes.”
“Under the lock and key, so to speak, of this fellow?”
“Yes.”
“And she isn't allowed even to go to the gate?”
“No.”
“The man's mad,” cried Sir Lionel—“mad, raving mad. Did you see him?”