The next morning, regardless of the presence of the nurses and the children, who were in Lady Avondale’s apartment—regardless indeed of any consideration, but that which rage and indignation had justly excited, the Admiral again entered Calantha’s room, and in a high exulting tone, informed her that he had written to hasten her husband’s return. “As to Avondale, d’ye see,” he continued “he is a d——d fine fellow, with none of your German sentiments, not he; and he will no more put up with these goings on, than I shall; nor shall you pallaver him over: for depend upon it, I will open his eyes, unless from this very moment you change your conduct. Yes, my Lady Calantha, you look a little surprised, I see, at hearing good English spoken to you; but I am not one who can talk all that jargon of sensibility, they prate round me here. You have the road open; you are young, and may mend yet; and if you do, I will think no more of the past. And as to you, Mrs. Nurse, see that these green ribbands be doffed. I prohibit Lord Mowbray and Lady Annabel from wearing them. I hate these rebellious party colours. I am for the King, and old England; and a plague on the Irish marauders, and my Lord Glenarvon at the head of them—who will not take ye, let me tell you, Lady fair, for all your advances. I heard him say so myself, aye, and laugh too, when the Duke told him to be off, which he did, though it was in a round about way; for they like here, to press much talk into what might be said in a score of words. So you need not look so mighty proud; for I shall not let you stir from these apartments, do you see, till my nephew comes; and, then, God mend you, or take you; for we will not bear with these proceedings, not we of the navy, whatever your land folks may do.” “Sir Richard,” said Calantha, “you may spare yourself and me this unkindness,—I leave this house immediately,—I leave your family from this hour; and I will die in the very streets sooner than remain here. Take this,” she said throwing the marriage ring from her hand; “and tell your nephew I never will see him more:—tell him if it is your pleasure that I love another, and had rather be a slave in his service, than Lord Avondale’s wife. I ever hated that name, and now I consider it with abhorrence.” “Your Ladyship’s words are big and mighty,” cried Sir Richard; “but while this goodly arm has a sinew and this most excellent door has a key you shall not stir from hence.” As he yet spoke, he advanced to the door; but she, darting before him, with a celerity he had not expected, left him, exclaiming as she went, “you have driven me to this: tell them you have done it”.... * * * * *