Page:The time spirit; a romantic tale (IA timespiritromant00snaiiala).pdf/177

 "I am quite sure, Mrs. Sanderson, we can count upon that," said the Duke, in a tone which softened considerably the humiliating silence with which the promise had been received.

"To begin with," said the Duke, turning to Harriet, "I shall ask your brother-in-law to come and see me. Evidently he is one of these sensible, straightforward men who can be trusted to take a large view of things."

The face of Lady Wargrave expressed less optimism.

"There is one question I would like to put to Mrs. Sanderson," she suddenly interposed. It seemed that she had reserved for a final attack the weapon on which she counted most. "Be good enough to tell me this." The ruthless eye was fixed on Harriet. "How long, Mrs. Sanderson, have you known of Mr. Dinneford's intimacy with your niece?"

There was a slight but painful pause, and it was broken by a rather faltering reply.

"It is just a week since I first heard of it, my lady."

"Just a week! And in the whole of that time you have not thought well to mention the matter?"

The tone cut like a knife. And the stab it dealt was so deep that Harriet was unable to answer the question which propelled it.

"Why didn't you mention it, Mrs. Sanderson?"

The blood fled suddenly from Harriet's cheek. She grew nervous and confused.

"Please answer the question." There was now a ring of triumph in the pitiless tone.

"I wished to spare his Grace unpleasantness," stammered Harriet.

"Very thoughtful of you, Mrs. Sanderson," said Lady