“Oh yes, I remember you,” replied Ursula, standing still. “But certainly I did not expect to find you here.”
“Yet what is more natural, Mevrouw the Baroness van Helmont, than that I should come to have a look at my relations.”
“I did not know the Klomps were any relations of yours.”
“I did not mean the Klomps.”
The two women looked at each other.
“Well,” said Ursula, in measured tones, “I hope you are doing better than you were. Good-morning.”
But again Adeline stopped her. “I am not doing well at all. As your Nobleness so kindly takes an interest in my career, I should like to explain my position, if your Nobleness would deign to listen.”
Suddenly the dog, Monk, who had been suspiciously watching the frowzy stranger, broke into a fury of disparagement which no commands from his mistress could quell. Adeline was horribly frightened. With a very cowed manner she retreated behind the door, but she shrieked from that place of safety that the matter was one of the greatest importance.
Ursula, having compelled the growling dog’s obedience, with one firm hand on his collar, called to the poor soul to come forth again.