“God forbid!” said Sir Philip hastily; instantly adding, however, “God forbid that I should deprive my friend Sir Geoffrey of so inestimable a treasure.”
“But you are my sister’s husband,” replied the lady; “and I suppose you are aware of her present distress of mind—”
“If hearing of nothing else from morning to night can make me aware of it,” said Sir Philip, “I should know something of the matter.”
“I do not pretend to reply to your wit, Sir Philip,” answered Lady Bothwell; “but you must be sensible that all this distress is on account of apprehensions for your personal safety.”
“In that case, I am surprised that Lady Bothwell, at least, should give herself so much trouble upon so insignificant a subject.”
“My sister’s interest may account for my being anxious to learn something of Sir Philip Forester’s motions; about which, otherwise, I know he would not wish me to concern myself. I have a brother’s safety too to be anxious for.”
“You mean Major Falconer, your brother by the mother’s side? What can he possibly have to do with our present agreeable conversation?”
“You have had words together, Sir Philip,” said Lady Bothwell.
“Naturally; we are connections,” replied Sir Philip, “and as such have always had the usual intercourse.”
“That is an evasion of the subject,” answered the lady. “By words, I mean angry words, on the subject of your usage of your wife.”