'No, sir,' I said, drawing back a little, and looking, I dare say, both frightened and offended.
'I do think I must 'a dropped it close by your foot, Miss.'
'No, sir,' I repeated.
'No offence, Miss, but you're sure you didn't hide it?'
I was beginning to grow seriously uncomfortable.
'Don't be frightened, Miss; it's only a bit o' chaff. I'm not going to search.'
I called aloud, 'Madame, Madame!' and he whistled through his fingers, and shouted, 'Madame, Madame,' and added, 'She's as deaf as a tombstone, or she'll hear that. Gi'e her my compliments, and say I said you're a beauty, Miss;' and with a laugh and a leer he strode off.
Altogether this had not been a very pleasant excursion. Madame gobbled up our sandwiches, commending them every now and then to me. But I had been too much excited to have any appetite left, and very tired I was when we reached home.
'So, there is lady coming to-morrow?' said Madame, who knew everything. 'Wat is her name? I forget.'
'Lady Knollys,' I answered.