"Thank you; it's quite plain. I shan't forget it. I'll ask him, when he comes, whether he's in the habit of beating women. It is not usual, I believe, among British officers. It usen't at least; but everything's getting on—young ladies, and, I suppose, old men—all getting on famously."
"Give me my key, if you please; and cease talking like a fool," cried Lady Jane.
"And what do you want of that key? Come, now, young lady, what is it?"
"I don't choose to have my door lie open, and I won't. I've no bolt to the inside, and I will have my key, madam."
"If that's your object, set your mind at ease. I'll lock your door myself when you have got to your bed."
"So that if the house takes fire I shall be burnt to death!"
"Pooh! nonsense!"
"And if I am they'll hang you, I hope."
"Thank you. Flogged and hanged!" And Lady Alice laughed an exceeding bitter laugh. "But the wicked violence of your language and menaces shan't deter me from the duty I've prescribed to myself. I'll define my reasons if you like, and I'll write as soon as you please to General Lennox."
"I think you're mad—I do, I assure you. I'll endure it for once, but depend on it I'll complain to Sir Jekyl Marlowe, in my husband's absence, in the morning; and if this sort of thing is to go on, I had better leave the house forthwith—that's all."