Who are you, madam," turning again, in her anger, on the
countess-dowager, "and who are you, Margaret, that you should dare to
encourage Edward and Maude in rebellion against their present mother?"
Taken by surprise, the dowager made no answer. Lady Margaret looked
defiance.
"You and Anne have invited me to your house on a lengthened visit, Lord
Hartledon," continued Laura; "but I promise you that if this is to
continue I will not remain in it; I will not witness insult to my early
friend; and I will not see children incited to evil passions. Undress
that child, sir," she sharply added, directing Val's attention to
Reginald, "and you will see bruises on his back and shoulder. I saw them
this morning, and asked the nurse what caused them and was told Lord
Elster kicked him."
"It was the little beggar's own fault," interposed Edward, who was
standing his ground with equanimity, and seemed to enjoy the scene.
Lady Laura caught him sharply by the arm. "Of whom are you speaking!
Who's a little beggar?"
"Regy is."
"Who taught you to call him one?"
"Grand'ma."
"There, go away; go away all of you," cried Lady Laura, turning the two
elder ones from the room imperatively, after Anne and her children. "Oh,
so you are going also, Val! No wonder you are ashamed to stay here."
He was crossing the room; a curious expression on his drawn lips.
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