The wine was reviving. Doris found her voice. As the door closed on Miss
Field, she bent forward:—
"Lady Dunstable, I didn't come here on my own account, and had there been time of course I should have given you notice. I came entirely on your account, because something was happening to you—and Lord Dunstable—which you didn't know, and which made me—very sorry for you!"
Lady Dunstable started slightly.
"Happening to me?—and Lord Dunstable?"
"I have been seeing your son, Lady Dunstable."
An instant change passed over the countenance of that lady. It darkened, and the eyes became cold and wary.
"Indeed? I didn't know you were acquainted with him."
"I never saw him till a few days ago. Then I saw him—in my uncle's studio—with a woman—a woman to whom he is engaged."
Lady Dunstable started again.
"I think you must be mistaken," she said quickly, with a slight but haughty straightening of her shoulders.