“I am not so composed as you are. We were an excitable set in _my_ youth--and I haven’t got the better of it yet. I feel nervous. Do you hear? I feel nervous.” “I am sorry, Lady Janet.” “You are very good. Do you know what I am going to do?” “No, Lady Janet.” “I am going to summon the household. When I say the household, I mean the men; the women are no use. I am afraid I fail to attract your attention?” “You have my best attention, Lady Janet.” “You are very good again. I said the women were of no use.” “Yes, Lady Janet.” “I mean to place a man-servant on guard at every entrance to the house. I am going to do it at once. Will you come with me?” “Can I be of any use if I go with your ladyship?” “You can’t be of the slightest use. I give the orders in this house--not you. I had quite another motive in asking you to come with me. I am more considerate of you than you seem to think--I don’t like leaving you here by yourself. Do you understand? “I am much obliged to your ladyship. I don’t mind being left here by myself.” “You don’t mind? I never heard of such heroism in my life--out of a novel! Suppose that crazy wretch should find her way in here?” “She would not frighten me this time as she frightened me before.” “Not too fast, my young lady! Suppose--Good heavens! now I think of it, there is the conservatory. Suppose she should be hidden in there? Julian is searching the grounds. Who is to search the conservatory?” “With your ladyship’s permission, _I_ will search the conservatory.” “You!!!” “With your ladyship’s permission.” “I can hardly believe my own ears! Well, ‘Live and learn’ is an old proverb. I thought I knew your character. This _is_ a change!” “You forget, Lady Janet (if I may venture to say so), that the circumstances are changed. She took me by surprise on the last occasion; I am prepared for her now.” “Do you really feel as coolly as you speak?” “Yes, Lady Janet.” “Have your own way, then. I shall do one thing, however, in case of your having overestimated your own courage. I shall place one of the men in the library. You will only have to ring for him if anything happens. He will give the alarm--and I shall act accordingly. I have my plan,” said her Ladyship, comfortably conscious of the card in her pocket. “Don’t look as if you wanted to know what it is. I have no intention of saying anything about it--except that it will do. Once more, and for the last time--do you stay here? or do you go with me?” “I stay here.”