"Then why didn't you stop? You ought to have taken me back immediately you knew who I was."
"So I would have if——"
"You mean you didn't believe me. You thought I was a lady's maid!" Jeannette interrupted indignantly.
"That was an error of judgment for which I humbly apologize. We are all liable to make mistakes sometimes. You, Miss Urmy, for instance, took me for a motor-man. You also appropriated my car, and commanded me to bring you here at a murderous—no, a killing pace. And I think you added that you would make it up to me."
Jeannette's face tingled. She had come to accuse, and, instead, found herself patiently listening to a recital of her indiscretions. But if Lord Chilminster was a strategist, Jeannette was a tactician. She appreciated the danger of a passive defense, and conversely, of the value of a vigorous aggression. Without a moment's hesitation she began a counter attack.
"In to-day's Morning Post——" she commenced.
"Ah, the Morning Post!" echoed Chilminster, also changing front.
"There was a disgraceful announcement."
"Half of it certainly was—irksome."
"Which half?" asked Jeannette suspiciously.