voice too suggested, on this occasion, that she had some spiteful object
in view, in sending for him. I knew it was unworthy of me--and yet, I
deliberately waited to hear what passed between them.

Lady Claudia began.

"You were out riding to-day with Miss Mina?"

"Yes, my lady."

"Turn to the light. I wish to see people when I speak to them. You were
observed by some friends of mine; your conduct excited remark. Do you
know your business as a lady's groom?"

"I have had seven years' experience, my lady."

"Your business is to ride at a certain distance behind your mistress.
Has your experience taught you that?"

"Yes, my lady."

"You were not riding behind Miss Mina--your horse was almost side by
side with hers. Do you deny it?"

"No, my lady."

"You behaved with the greatest impropriety--you were seen talking to
Miss Mina. Do you deny that?"

"No, my lady."

"Leave the room. No! come back. Have you any excuse to make?"

"None, my lady."

"Your insolence is intolerable! I shall speak to the General."

The sound of the closing door followed.

I knew now what the smiles meant on the false faces of those
women-friends of mine who had met me in the park. An ordinary man, in
Michael's place, would have mentioned my own encouragement of him as
a sufficient excuse. _He_, with the inbred delicacy and reticence of a
gentleman, had taken all the blame on himself. Indignant and ashamed,
I advanced to the breakfast-room, bent on instantly justifying him.
Drawing aside the curtain, I was startled by a sound as of a person
sobbing. I cautiously looked in. Lady Claudia was prostrate on the sofa,
hiding her face in her hands, in a passion of tears.

I withdrew, completely bewildered. The extraordinary contradictions in
my aunt's conduct were not at an end yet. Later in the day, I went to my
uncle, resolved to set Michael right in _his_ estimation, and to leave
him to speak to Lady Claudia. The General was in the lowest spirits; he
shook his head ominously the moment. I mentioned the groom's name. "I
dare say the man meant no harm--but the thing has been observed. I can't
have you made the subject of scandal, Mina. My wife makes a point of
it--Michael must go.

"You don't mean to say that she has insisted on your sending Michael
away?"

Before he could answer me, a footman appeared with a message. "My lady
wishes to see you, sir."

The General rose directly. My curiosity had got, by this time, beyond
all re