I indignantly repelled the charge, and searching me for a moment with her
oddly-shaped, cunning eyes, she said--

'That is good cheaile, you speak a so direct--I like that, and am glad to
hear; but, my dear Maud, that woman----'

'Lady Knollys is papa's cousin,' I interposed a little gravely.

'She does hate a me so, you av no idea. She as tryed to injure me several
times, and would employ the most innocent person, unconsciously you know,
my dear, to assist her malice.'

Here Madame wept a little. I had already discovered that she could shed
tears whenever she pleased. I have heard of such persons, but I never met
another before or since.

Madame was unusually frank--no one ever knew better when to be candid. At
present I suppose she concluded that Lady Knollys would certainly relate
whatever she knew concerning her before she left Knowl; and so Madame's
reserves, whatever they might be, were dissolving, and she growing
childlike and confiding.

'Et comment va monsieur votre père aujourd'hui?'

'Very well,' I thanked her.

'And how long miladi Knollys her visit is likely to be?'

'I could not say exactly, but for some days.'