"Nothing but the most important and imperative reasons could induce me to ask the question" (her ladyship gasped for breath, and could not speak), I stammered, but at last I brought it out. "What has become of--of--of the sweet pledge of your love, Lady Maelstrom?" Her ladyship coloured up with rage, raised up her clenched hand, and then fell back in violent hysterics. Chapter XXXV I repair the damage, and make things worse--Plot and counterplot--Tim gains a watch by setting watch upon his tongue. I hardly knew how to act--if I called the servants, my interview would be at an end, and I was resolved to find out the truth--for the same reason, I did not like to ring for water. Some vases with flowers were on the table; I took out the flowers, and threw the water in her face, but they had been in the water some time, and had discoloured it green. Her ladyship's dress was a high silk gown, of a bright slate colour, and was immediately spoiled; but this was no time to stand upon trifles. I seized hold of a glass bottle, fancying, in my hurry, it was _eau de cologne_, or some essence, and poured a little into her mouth; unfortunately, it was a bottle of marking ink, which her ladyship, who was very economical, had on the table in disguise. I perceived my error, and had recourse to another vase of flowers, pouring a large quantity of the green water down her throat. Whether the unusual remedies had an effect or not, I cannot tell, but her ladyship gradually revived, and, as she leant back on the sofa, sobbing, every now and then, convulsively, I poured into her ear a thousand apologies, until I thought she was composed enough to listen to me. "Your ladyship's maternal feelings," said I. "It's all a calumny! a base lie, sir!" shrieked she. "Nay, nay, why be ashamed of a youthful passion; why deny what was in itself creditable to your unsophisticated mind. Does not your heart, even now, yearn to embrace your son--will not you bless me, if I bring him to your feet--will not you bless your son, and receive him with delight?" "It was a girl," screamed her ladyship, forgetting herself, and again falling into hysterics. "A girl!" replied I, "then I have lost my time, and it is no use my remaining here." Mortified at the intelligence which overthrew my hopes and castle buildings, I seized my hat, descended the stairs, and quitted the house; in my hurry and confusion quite forgetting to call the servants to her ladyship's assistance. Fortunately, I perceived the Misses Fairfax close to the iron railing of the garden. I crossed the road, wished them good-bye, and told them that I thought Lady Maelstrom looked very ill, and they had better go in to her. I then threw myself into the first hackney-coach, and drove home. I found Timothy had arrived before me, and I narrated all that had passed.