Thus persuaded, Sir Philip briefly related the whole story of the misunderstanding that had arisen concerning Neville's wife, Violet Vere--and concluded by saying-"It is, of course, only through Britta that I've just heard about Lady Winsleigh's having anything to do with it. Her information may not be correct--I hope it isn't,--but--"
Lord Winsleigh interrupted him. "Come with me," he said composedly. "We'll resolve this difficulty AT once."
He led the way out of the library across the hall. Errington followed him in silence. He knocked at the door of his wife's room,--in response to her "Come in!" they both entered. She was alone, reclining on a sofa, reading,--she started up with a pettish exclamation at sight of her husband, but observing who it was that came with him, she stood mute, the color rushing to her cheeks with surprise and something of fear. Yet she endeavored to smile, and returned with her usual grace their somewhat formal salutations.
"Clara," then said Lord Winsleigh gravely, "I have to ask you a question on behalf of Sir Philip Errington here,--a question to which it is necessary for you to give the plain answer. Did you or did you not procure this letter from Violet Vere, of the Brilliant Theatre--and did you or did you not, give it yourself yesterday into the hands of Lady Bruce-Errington?" And he laid the letter in question, which Philip had handed to him, down upon the table before her.
She looked at it--then at him--then from him to Sir Philip, who uttered no word--and lightly shrugged her shoulders.
"I don't know what you are talking about," she said, carelessly.
Sir Philip turned upon her indignantly.
"Lady Winsleigh, you do know--"
She interrupted him with a stately gesture.
"Excuse me, Sir Philip! I am not accustomed to be spoken to in this extraordinary manner. You forget yourself--my husband, I think, also forgets himself! I know nothing whatever about Violet Vere--I am not fond of the society of actresses. Of course, I've heard about your admiration for her--that is common town-talk,--though my informant on this point was Sir Francis Lennox."
"Sir Francis Lennox!" cried Philip furiously. "Thank God! there's a man to deal with! By Heaven, I'll choke him with his own lie!"
Lady Winsleigh raised her eyebrows in well-bred surprise.
"Dear me! It is a lie, then? Now, I should have thought from all accounts that it was so very likely to be true!"
Philip turned white with passion. Her sarcastic smile,--her mocking glance,--irritated him almost beyond endurance.