"We are afraid of bad people."
The observation passed momentarily unnoticed, for Maude, whom Lady
Hartledon had been obliged to release, would not be pacified. But when
calmness ensued, Lord Hartledon turned to the boy, just then assisting
himself to some pineapple.
"What did I hear you say about bad people, Edward?"
"She," answered the boy, pointing towards Lady Hartledon. "She shan't
touch Maude. She's come here to beat us, and I'll kick if she touches
me."
Lord Hartledon, with an unmistakable look at the countess-dowager, rose
from his seat in silence and rang the bell. There could be no correction
in the presence of the dowager; he and Anne must undo her work alone.
Carrying the little girl in one arm, he took the boy's hand, and met the
servant at the door.
"Take these children back to the nursery."
"I want some strawberries," the boy called out rebelliously.
"Not to-day," said his father. "You know quite well that you have behaved
badly."
His wife's face was painfully flushed. Mr. Carr was critically examining
the painted landscape on his plate; and the turban was enjoying some
fruit with perfect unconcern. Lord Hartledon stood an instant ere he
resumed his seat.
"Anne," he said in a voice that trembled in spite of its displeased
tones, "allow me to beg your pardon, and I do it with shame that this
gratuitous insult should have been offered you in your own house.
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