"Your presence in this room is not required, Captain Lovelace," said she in a stately fashion; then, as the gentleman retired, with an extravagant gesture of humility and despair, "You must not listen to such gallants, my loves," she added, in a lighter tone.
"I do not, madam," answered Amabel quietly.
"A dignified young lady, upon my word. And who is this?" Turning to me. "She reminds me of some one, I cannot tell who."
Mrs. Thorpe explained who I was, and her ladyship was pleased to say she remembered my mother quite well.
"She came from Cornwall with Lady Leighton, and they were quite inseparable, I remember," said she. "Your mother afterward married a gentleman who had a small estate in the neighborhood, and was killed by a fall from his horse. Yes, yes; I remember. My good Thorpe, you must take care of these visitors of yours."
"I hope to do so, my lady," answered Mrs. Thorpe, not without emphasis, as I thought.
"And have you seen anything of the town yet, my rose-buds?" asked the lady, turning to us. "I suppose not. Come, get your hoods, and I will take you for an airing. No, on second thought, I cannot either, for I promised my old lady to return in time for her afternoon drive. I shall have my own horses another day, and then I will call for you. Meantime, Mrs. Thorpe must let me present you each with one of these fine aprons."
So saying, she selected from the stock before her two lawn aprons with more puffs, ruffles, and lace than there was of the original stuff, and bestowing one upon each of us, she sailed out to her carriage, attended by Captain Lovelace, and followed by her maid and dog. This was our first sight of that famous beauty and wit, Lady Throckmorton of Newcastle. It would have saved us a good deal had it been the last.
"There goes a fine woman spoiled," said Mrs. Thorpe. "I was glad she was obliged to go, I did not like to have you go out with her, and I did not exactly know how to refuse."
"But why do you call her spoiled?" I asked. "I am sure she is very generous in giving us these beautiful aprons."