Fancy their making so long a stay!"
"You wrote mamma word that Miss Ashton was about to marry some Colonel
Barnaby."
Mrs. Kattle laughed. It is possible that written news might have been
_asked for_ by the countess-dowager.
"Well, my dear, and so I did; but it turned out to be a mistake. He did
admire her; there was no mistake about that; and I dare say she might
have had him if she liked. How's your brother and his poor leg?"
"Oh, he is well," answered Maude. "Au revoir; I can't stand this crush
any longer."
It was really a crush just then in the room; and though Maude escaped
from it dexterously, Lord Hartledon did not. He was wedged in behind some
stout women, and had the pleasure of hearing another word or two from
Mrs. Kattle.
"Who was that?" asked a lady, who appeared to be her companion.
"Lady Hartledon. He was only the younger brother until a few months ago,
but the elder one got drowned in some inexplicable manner on his own
estate, and this one came into the title. The old dowager began at once
to angle for him, and succeeded in hooking him. She used to write me word
how it progressed."
"She is very beautiful."
"Very."
Lord Hartledon made his escape, and found his wife looking round for him.
She was struck by the aspect of his face.
"Are you ill, Percival?"
"Ill? No. But I don't care how soon we get out of these rooms.
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