“You see, I am not going to let you off,” she said, as I greeted her. “And the day is so very fine for a ride.”
I hastened to apologize for not going to her, and then to get out of my difficulty, rather meanly turned toward The Pilot, and said:
“The Pilot doesn't approve of our visit.”
“And why not, may I ask?” said Lady Charlotte, lifting her eyebrows.
The Pilot's face burned, partly with wrath at me, and partly with embarrassment; for Lady Charlotte had put on her grand air. But he stood to his guns.
“I was saying, Lady Charlotte,” he said, looking straight into her eyes, “that you and Gwen have little in common—and—and—” he hesitated.
“Little in common!” said Lady Charlotte quietly. “She has suffered greatly.”
The Pilot was quick to catch the note of sadness in her voice.
“Yes,” he said, wondering at her tone, “she has suffered greatly.”
“And,” continued Lady Charlotte, “she is bright as the morning, The Duke says.” There was a look of pain in her face.