“A bold way of handling difficulties, John,” he commented.
“It needs boldness to deal with these cursed Jacks,” answered the Master fiercely. “I am going to teach them a lesson this time—they have defied us and laughed at us long enough. This race of thieves goes—utterly.”
The Viscount suddenly rose with a little sound of warning.
Sir John turned.
Close behind them stood Lady Dalrymple.
She saw by their faces their thought, and drew herself together defiantly. “I was not spying,” she cried feverishly. “You did not hear me enter.”
“You were remarkably quiet, madam,” remarked the Viscount dryly.
She gave him a frightened look and in a strained silence crossed to the hearth.
“I dropped a flower,” she said faintly. “I came back for that.”
She looked along the floor and in the chair.