I am not responsible for that." My lady did not often show signs of impatience; but we knew she was feeling irritated, by the little perpetual tapping of her high-heeled shoe against the bottom of the carriage.

About the same time we, sitting backwards, caught a glimpse of Mr.Gray through the open door, standing in the shadow of the hall.

Doubtless Lady Ludlow's arrival had interrupted a conversation between Mr.Lathom and Mr.Gray.

The latter must have heard every word of what she was saying; but of this she was not aware, and caught at Mr.Lathom's disclaimer of responsibility with pretty much the same argument which she had heard (through our repetition) that Mr.Gray had used not two hours before.
"And do you mean to say, Mr.Lathom, that you don't consider yourself responsible for all injustice or wrong-doing that you might have prevented, and have not?
Nay, in this case the first germ of injustice was your own mistake.

I wish you had been with me a little while ago, and seen the misery in that poor fellow's cottage." She spoke lower, and Mr.Gray drew near, in a sort of involuntary manner; as if to hear all she was saying.