But at this moment was a hurried knock and Mrs. Betty entered, cheeks flushed and mild eyes wider than usual.
“O my lady!” she exclaimed—“Company!”
“Betty,” cried the Duchess, “come and take me down—this moment!”
“Oh, I dessent, your Grace.... O mem, there be company below ... ladies, mem—crowds, and gentlemen!”
“Ah!” cried my lady between clenched teeth, “so they’re here already—to tear and rend me, dammem!”
“Herminia!” cried the Duchess, scandalised. “Herminia, fie! Herminia, for shame! I gasp, child! Such language, miss——”
“Fits the occasion, aunt, so tush—and hush! Who’s below, Betty—the women, I mean?”
“Well, mem, I only got a glimp’, but I ’spied my Lady Belinda Chalmers for one——”
“That detestable rattle! Who else?”
“My Lady Prudence Bassett was with her, mem.”