"Of course; that's just like Decima!" crossly responded Lady Verner. "She is everlastingly at something or other, doing half the work of a servant about the house."
Lionel made no reply. He knew that, but for Decima, the house would be less comfortable than it was for Lady Verner; and that what Decima did, she did in love.
"Will you go to the station?" he inquired.
"I! In this cold wind! How can you ask me, Lionel? I should get my face chapped irretrievably. If Decima cannot go, you must go alone."
"But how shall I know Miss Tempest?"
"You must find her out," said Lady Verner. "Her mother was as tall as a giantess; perhaps she is the same. Is Decima much hurt?"
"She thinks it is only a sprain. We have sent for Jan."
"For Jan! Much good he will do!" returned Lady Verner, in so contemptuous a tone as to prove she had no very exalted opinion of Mr. "Jan's" abilities.
Lionel went out to the carriage, and stepped in. The footman did not shut the door. "And Miss Verner, sir?"
"Miss Verner is not coming. The railway station. Tell Wigham to drive fast, or I shall be late."