Sam looked disconcerted and puzzled. I perceived that, plot or no plot, he had no hand in it.
"I am come," he said, "from his lordship——"
"I have nothing to do with his lordship."
"Surely, madam—surely, my lady—there is some misunderstanding. I am sent by his lordship with his compliments to ask when it will be convenient for the countess to receive him."
"You have been informed, I suppose, that I was married to him this morning."
"Certainly, my lady."
"Then go back to Lord Fylingdale and tell him that he is a villain and a liar; that I have learned his true character; that I am not married to him; and that if he ventures to molest me my friends will protect me. Give him that message, sir, word for word."
"I believe, Sam," I said, for his discomfiture and bewilderment made him reel and stagger, "that you have no hand in this new villainy. It was you, however, who brought that man to Lynn, knowing his true character and his antecedents. Let us never see your face here again. Go; if I thought you were in this new plot I would serve you again as the captain served you three years ago."
He went away without another word.
Then the captain came home, his face troubled.