‘I am enchanted to make the acquaintance of Lady Dimsdale.’
‘’Tis a pity Lady D. cannot return the compliment,’ muttered Sir Frederick to himself.
Mrs Bowood turned to him. ‘By-the-bye, Sir Frederick, have you seen the Captain since luncheon?’ With that the two crossed over to the window and began to talk together.
‘Mrs Boyd, I feel that some explanation is due to you,’ said Lady Dimsdale in a low voice to the other.
‘I have not asked for any explanation, Lady Dimsdale.’
‘I repeat that one is due to you.’
‘As you please,’ answered the other, with a little lifting of her shoulders; and with that she sat down and yawned unmistakably behind her handkerchief.
‘Mr Boyd and I were acquainted many years ago, before he went abroad,’ began Lady Dimsdale. ‘He was a frequent visitor at my father’s vicarage. After he went away, I never saw him again till yesterday. This morning, fully believing that you had been dead for many years, he asked me to become his wife.’
‘You did not say No,’ sneered Estelle.
‘At that moment you entered the room.’