"Don't let her go on, uncle," she whispered,
"not just now!"
"No, no, my dear," Lord Dennis murmured, "certainly not--it is enough."
"It has been your sentimental folly," came Lady Casterley's voice from a
far corner, "which has brought this on the boy."
Responding to the pressure of the hand, back now at her waist, Barbara
did not answer; and the sound of the little feet retracing their steps
rose in the stillness. Neither of those two at the window turned their
heads; once more the feet receded, and again began coming back.
Suddenly Barbara, pointing to the floor, cried:
"Oh! Granny, for Heaven's sake, stand still; haven't you squashed the
hornet enough, even if he did come in where he hadn't any business?"
Lady Casterley looked down at the debris of the insect.
"Disgusting!" she said; but when she next spoke it was in a less hard,
more querulous voice.
"That man--what was his name--have you got rid of him?"
Barbara went crimson.
"Abuse my friends, and I will go straight home and never speak to you
again."
For a moment Lady Casterley looked almost as if she might strike her
granddaughter; then a little sardonic smile broke out on her face.
"A creditable sentiment!" she said.
Letting fall her uncle's hand, Barbara cried:
"In any case, I'd better go. I don't know why you sent for me.
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