On the morning that the Baron had paid his second visit, she had been communing with herself, and had decided to put an end to the estrangement that existed, but when she went down to lunch, her husband was not there.
Her sister and Edward Drake were present, and it very soon became clear to her that the atmosphere was electrical, for each of them avoided addressing any remark to the other.
Drake confined his attention to Lady Mildred, and the latter immediately began to imagine that he had proposed marriage to Lady Ethel, and had been refused.
At last the uncomfortable meal came to an end, and Lady Mildred rose from the table.
“Will you come to my room, dear?” she said, and Lady Ethel followed her obediently.
“What has happened?” Lady Mildred asked when they were seated.
“I hate him, he is a beast,” Lady Ethel said vindictively.
“I suppose you mean Mr. Drake. What has the poor man done?”
“He has been very rude, and I believe he looks upon me as a child,” she cried passionately.
“You are not much more than a child, Ethel. But what is it all about?” Lady Mildred asked with an indulgent smile.