“Then I fear in that case, madam, that you are too late,” I said quickly.
She turned to me in sudden surprise.
“Too late? And why, sir?” she cried.
“Too late, madam,” I answered firmly, “for I think that the answer is here.”
Even as I spoke the door was thrown wide open and my lady stood upon the threshold.
It was my lady, still wearing her riding mask. Over her shoulder I caught a glimpse of the lackey’s scared face.
For a moment she stood in the doorway, and I saw her slightly start as her eyes encountered mine; evidently she had not expected my presence. Then she entered the room.
It would be hard to say whether my lord or Mistress Maddon was the more surprised at her appearance. Nevertheless, it was the woman who first recovered herself.
“This is an unexpected honour, madam,” she said, advancing. “The business must surely be urgent that brings your ladyship as far as Exeter on such a day!”
My lady stepped back, drawing her skirts together with a slight gesture of repulsion as cruel as it was intentional. I saw that she was fully acquainted with the scandal attached to this woman’s name.