Chapter Twenty.
Richard Keene Makes a Revelation.
The Countess, unconscious of my presence, halted quickly, and turning upon him with a start exclaimed—
“I—I really don’t understand what you mean, Mr Smeeton!”
“Understand what I mean!” he echoed with a short dry laugh. “I suppose you’ll deny acquaintance with me next!”
“I certainly do not recollect having met you before,” she answered with admirable hauteur.
“What?” he exclaimed, in undisguised surprise at her bold attempt to disclaim any previous acquaintance. “Do you actually affirm that we have never previously known each other?”
“Never until this evening,” was her response. “That is why I don’t understand what you mean in addressing me in this manner.”
He burst out laughing, treating her bold denial with derision. Yet she remained firm, and in indignation exclaimed—
“Let me pass. I think, Mr Smeeton, you have forgotten yourself this evening.”