"Might I speak, ma'am?" said Marriner, making use of her habitual formula when she had anything special to say.
"You may, certainly."
"Ma'am," said Marriner, "I've heard a dreadful thing this night."
"Dreadful! What about?"
"Oh, ma'am, that I should have to say it—about you!" replied the faithful creature, with every outward sign of extreme dejection.
Mrs. Verulam started beneath the brush.
"A dreadful thing about me, Marriner! Who from?"
"From Mrs. Crouch, ma'am, her Grace's woman."
"Why, what should Mrs. Crouch say about me?"