“I really did it for the best. When the Baron left this morning I followed, and went with him to the park.”
“It was a stupid thing to do. Baron de Croiseuil is not a desirable acquaintance,” Lady Mildred answered disapprovingly.
“I only went for your sake, Mildred. I could see that you and John were miserable, and I guessed that it was all owing to the Baron, so thought I might help.”
Lady Ethel was crying quietly, so her sister suppressed the angry words that were near her lips, and kissed her tenderly.
“There is no reason why you should make such a fuss about it,” she said gently.
“I never imagined that Mr. Drake could be so rude. He told me that I was a meddlesome little busybody,” Lady Ethel said hotly.
“They were rather strong words.”
“And I really didn’t mean to tell the Baron that you and John had quarreled; it slipped out.”
“Mr. Drake was quite right,” Lady Mildred broke in vehemently. “Besides, it is untrue that my husband and I have quarreled. I love him dearly.”
“Well, you have a funny way of showing your affection,” Lady Ethel broke in, and then began to sob in earnest.