“Good Heavens, Betty, I never knew the man drank, that it had been a habit—”
“Don’t, Lady Sophia, don’t!”
“You should have been more careful.”
“I know—I know. I shall never forgive myself. For goodness’ sake, help me. You have so much more tact than I.”
Her ladyship accepted the responsibility with stately unction.
“Leave it to me, dear. I can go round and have a quiet talk with all those who happened to read the letter. How unfortunate that the opening sentences should have contained this information. Still, it need never get abroad.”
“How good of you!”
“There, dear, you are rather upset, most naturally so—”
“I think I had better retreat.”
“Yes, leave it to me.”