"Medical books," she said, in a heated tone, "are not only disgusting, but deceptive. I must really request you to believe me."
"I am sorry, I am very sorry, that I cannot. We must all learn to look madness bravely in the face," he replied, staring perfectly straight at her.
Mrs. Verulam made a sudden movement as though to slap him, restrained herself, puckered her face, drummed her little feet violently in mid-air, and was about to burst into a flood of wrathful tears when the powdered Frederick was seen approaching across the lawn, bearing a gold salver which twinkled and glinted in the sun.
"A telegram for you, ma'am," he said.
Mrs. Verulam took it from him hysterically, tore it open, and read: "Huskinson Van Adam is somewhere in Berkshire just discovered Yillick."
"I hope it is no bad news," said Mr. Rodney, as if he felt certain that it announced either plague or strangling.
"It is to say that they have discovered Yillick," answered Mrs. Verulam in an unemotional voice.
"I beg your pardon?"
"I say they have discovered Yillick," she cried irritably.
"Indeed! What is that?"