Royall Sherwood went quite white, too, but he uttered no word; and Letty, with an air of innocence, tossed her head, twittering:
“La, ma’am, did I do anything wrong? If so, I’m sure I beg pardon.”
“You should have come to me first,” muttered Mrs. Fleming angrily; and the girl answered, with mock humility:
“I didn’t know it, I’m sure. I didn’t know you had a claim on him.”
“Silence, girl!” cried Royall, interpreting her mood; and he drew Mrs. Fleming aside into a deserted anteroom to discuss the situation.
“Get me some wine, Royall; this is a terrible shock to my nerves!” she panted.
She drank, and the ruby liquid coursed through her veins like fire, inspiring her with new courage.
A low, hateful laugh trilled over her lips as she cried:
“How very, very fortunate that he did not come ten minutes earlier!”
“How very fortunate!” echoed Royall; but his blond face was ashy pale, and dismay lurked in his eyes.