The lady was alone, and evidently burdened with the importance of the occasion.
“Mr Jeffreys,” said she, with a tone of half conciliation which put up Jeffreys’ back far more than her usual severe drawl, “kindly take a seat; I wish to speak to you.”
“It’s all up with me!” groaned the unhappy Jeffreys inwardly, as he obeyed.
Mrs Rimbolt gathered herself together, and began.
“I desire to speak to you, Mr Jeffreys, in reference to my niece, Miss Atherton, who, in her father’s absence, is here under my protection and parental control.”
Jeffreys flushed up ominously.
“It does not please me, Mr Jeffreys, to find you, occupying, as you do, the position of a dependant in this house, so far forgetting yourself as to consider that there is anything in your respective positions which justifies you in having communications with Miss Atherton other than those of a respectful stranger.”
Jeffreys found himself frivolously thinking this elaborate sentence would be an interesting exercise in parsing for the head class at Galloway House. He barely took in that the remarks were intended for him at all, and his abstracted look apparently disconcerted Mrs Rimbolt.
“I must request your attention, Mr Jeffreys,” said she severely.
“I beg your pardon. I am all attention.”