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"You are infatuated by that over-dressed popinjay--that insufferableCarr, who, from all I hear, is but a shady fellow, and who--"
With a sweeping movement Diana had risen and walked to the bell-rope.She now pulled it with such vigour that a great peal sounded throughoutthe house.
She stood perfectly still, a statue of Disdain, tall, beautiful andfurious, with compressed lips and head held high. Mr. Bettison broke offand mopped his brow, glaring at her.
Startled Thomas appeared at the door.
"Did you ring, madam?"
"Show Mr. Bettison out," was the proud answer.
The Squire got up awkwardly.
"I am sure I apologise if I said aught that was untrue," he mumbled. "Ihope you will not take my words amiss--"
"I shall try to forget your insults, sir," she replied. "The door,Thomas!"
Mr. Bettison went out, and his step had lost some of its self-confidentswagger.
For a full minute after the great front door had shut behind him, Dianastood where she was, and then the colour suddenly flamed in her cheeks,and she turned and ran out of the room, up the stairs, to her ownchamber, where she indulged in a luxurious fit of crying. From thisenjoyable occupation she was interrupted by a rap on the door, and MissBetty's voice desiring to know if she was within.
She instantly started up and with hasty fingers straightened her tumbledcurls.
"Pray enter!" she called, trying to sound jaunty. To complete theillusion, she started to hum. Her aunt entered.
"I came to see if you had my broidery. I cannot find it, and I am sure'twas you brought it in from the garden this morning."
"Yes--oh, yes--I am so sorry! 'Tis in that corner on the chair, Ithink," replied Diana, keeping her face averted.
Miss Betty cast a shrewd glance at her, and sat down on the sofa withthe air of one who means to stay.
"What is it, my love?" she demanded.
Diana pretended to search for something in a cupboard.
"Nothing, aunt! What should there be?"
"I do not know. 'Tis what I want to find out," answered Miss Bettyplacidly.
"There is nought amiss, I assure you!" To prove the truth of thisstatement, Diana essayed a laugh. It was a poor attempt, and waveredpitifully into a sob.
"My pet, don't tell me! You are crying!"
"I--I'm n-not!" avowed Diana, hunting wildly for herpocket-handkerchief. "'Tis a cold in the head I have had these threedays."
"Indeed, my love? Longer than that, I fear."
"Yes--perhaps so--I--What do you mean?"
"I doubt but what you caught it the day that Mr. Carr left us."
Diana started.
"P-pray, do not be ridiculous, auntie!"
"No, my dear. Come and sit beside me and tell me all about it," coaxedMiss Betty.
Diana hesitated, gave a damp sniff, and obeyed.
