Acquitting Julian, Lady Janet declined to acquit Mercy.

"There is some secret understanding between them," thought the old lady, "and she's to blame; the women always are!" Mercy still waited to be spoken to; pale and quiet, silent and submissive.

Lady Janet--in a highly uncertain state of temper--was obliged to begin.
"My dear!" she called out, sharply.
"Yes, Lady Janet." "How much longer are you going to sit there with your mouth shut up and your eyes on the carpet?
Have you no opinion to offer on this alarming state of things?
You heard what the man said to Julian--I saw you listening.

Are you horribly frightened ?" "No, Lady Janet." "Not even nervous ?" "No, Lady Janet." "Ha! I should hardly have given you credit for so much courage after my experience of you a week ago.

I congratulate you on your recovery." "Thank you, Lady Janet." "I am not so composed as you are.