'I am, sir. And I'm the wife of Mr. Montagu Babbacombe.'
Just what Mr. FitzHoward had spoken of happened again. He sort of reeled; and a look came on to his face which was shocking. I never saw a man so changed all of a sudden. I thought he was going to have a fit. The two ladies were every bit as much surprised as I was. The younger one went hurrying to him.
'Douglas, what ever is the matter?' He seemed to have a difficulty in speaking, as though his breath was short.
'I--I've not felt very well to-day; that's all.'
'It's the first time you've spoken of it. Shall I send for the doctor?'
'No. It's nothing. It's only a passing touch.' He tried to brace himself up: but though he tried hard he still seemed limp. 'If you will come to my room, Mrs.--what did you say your name was?'
'Merrett, sir.'
'If you will come into my room, Mrs. Merrett, I will speak to you there.'
'Douglas,' said the elder of the ladies, just as he had his hand upon the handle of the door, 'who is Mr. Montagu Babbacombe?'
'Babbacombe?' He tried to meet her eyes: but couldn't. 'Oh, he's a wretched mountebank.'