“Send upstairs for my self-control,” he said. “It’s in her possession—not in mine. Good morning, aunt.”
He rose from his chair. Lady Janet instantly pushed him back into it.
“I insist on your staying here,” she said, “if it is only for a few minutes longer. I have something to say to you.”
“Does it refer to Miss Roseberry?”
“It refers to the hateful woman who frightened Miss Roseberry. Now are you satisfied?”
Julian bowed, and settled himself in his chair.
“I don’t much like to acknowledge it,” his aunt went on. “But I want you to understand that I have something really serious to speak about, for once in a way. Julian! that wretch not only frightens Grace—she actually frightens me.”
“Frightens you? She is quite harmless, poor thing.”
“‘Poor thing’!” repeated Lady Janet. “Did you say ‘poor thing’?”
“Yes.”