William's lips executed one of their rare movements.
"Perfectly, Mrs. De Peyster."
"Very well."
Mrs. De Peyster dismissed him with a wave of her hand, and William made the exit of a minister from his queen.
"You don't mean—" began Matilda, almost breathless.
"Yes, I mean that I shall go out driving nightly in your clothes," responded Mrs. De Peyster.
"But—but—" gasped Matilda.
"Have no fear. I shall, of course, be veiled, and William is the best-trained, the most incurious of servants."
Mrs. De Peyster, looking her most majestic, stood waiting for the outburst of approval, just tribute to one who has conceived a supernally clever and flawless scheme.
"Well, now, Matilda," she prompted, "what do you think of the whole plan?"