“I was just wondering what Lady Severn would think of it all!” remarked Mrs. Archer.
“I know what she shall think of it all,” replied Sir Ralph, “that is to say at least, if I have any spark of influence left,” he added in a lower tone. “In the meantime, Mrs. Archer, will you be so very kind as to keep Sybil her till I have set things straight again at home?”
“With the greatest pleasure,” she replied heartily. And then he left them. Just as he was outside the room, she exclaimed, “Bye-the-by, Sir Ralph, you must get some one to pack up and send her some clothes.”
But he did not hear her, and Marion ran, after him to repeat the message.
“Very well you thought of it!” he said laughing, and then he stood for a moment if expecting her to say something more.
“Sir Ralph,” she said, “will you do me a favour?”
“What would I not?” he exclaimed.
“Will you be so good as not mention my name at all to that girl, Emilie?” she asked, “never mind if says rude or impertinent things about me. Let them pass. Only don’t set her more against me. I don’t like having enemies.”
“Very well,” she replied, “as you wish it, I will endeavour to do as you ask.” But he looked rather surprised.
“I daresay you think me very silly,” she said, “but”——