“I mean to place a man-servant on guard at every entrance to the house. I am going to do it at once. Will you come with me?”
“Can I be of any use if I go with your ladyship?”
“You can’t be of the slightest use. I give the orders in this house—not you. I had quite another motive in asking you to come with me. I am more considerate of you than you seem to think—I don’t like leaving you here by yourself. Do you understand?
“I am much obliged to your ladyship. I don’t mind being left here by myself.”
“You don’t mind? I never heard of such heroism in my life—out of a novel! Suppose that crazy wretch should find her way in here?”
“She would not frighten me this time as she frightened me before.”
“Not too fast, my young lady! Suppose—Good heavens! now I think of it, there is the conservatory. Suppose she should be hidden in there? Julian is searching the grounds. Who is to search the conservatory?”
“With your ladyship’s permission, I will search the conservatory.”
“You!!!”
“With your ladyship’s permission.”