"Arnold," suddenly spoke her ladyship, looking up from her chair, "I mean to take a very decisive step." "In what way?" he quietly asked, from his seat on the other side of the fireplace. "To send for the police?" "No, no, no; not that. I shall separate from Lord Level." "Oh," said Mr. Ravensworth, taken by surprise, and thinking she was jesting. "As soon as he is well again, and able to discuss matters, I shall demand a separation. I shall _insist_ upon it. If he will not accord it to me privately, I shall apply for it publicly." "Blanche, you will do no such thing!" he exclaimed, rising in excitement. "You do not know what you are saying." "And you do not know how much cause I have for saying it," she answered. "Lord Level has--has--insulted me." "Hush," said Mr. Ravensworth. "I don't quite know what you mean by insult----" "And I cannot tell you," she interrupted, her pretty black satin slipper beating its indignation on the hearthrug, her cheeks wearing a delicate rose-flush. "It is a thing I can speak of only to himself." "But--I was going to say--Lord Level does not, I feel sure, intrude personal insult upon you. Anything that may take place outside your knowledge you had better neither notice nor inquire into." Lady Level shook her head defiantly. "I mean to do it." "I will not hear another word upon this point," said Mr. Ravensworth sternly. "You are as yet not much more than a child, young lady; when you are a little older and wiser, you will see how foolish such ideas are. For your own sake, Blanche, put them away from you." "I wish my dear brother Tom were here!" she petulantly returned. "It was a shame his regiment should be sent out to India!" Mr. Ravensworth drew in his stern lips. He had suspected that of the dreadful fate of Tom Heriot she must still be ignorant. The suspicion was now confirmed. At that moment the steward, Mr. Drewitt, appeared; and Lady Level introduced him by name. Mr. Ravensworth saw a pale, venerable man of sixty years, still strong and upright, looking like a gentleman of the old, old school, in his plum-coloured suit and white silk stockings, his silver knee-buckles, his low shoes, and his voluminous cambric shirt-frill. He brought a message from his lord, who wished to see Mr. Ravensworth. "Who told his lordship that Mr. Ravensworth was here?" exclaimed Lady Level quickly. "Madam, it was I. My lord heard someone being shown in to your ladyship, and inquired who had come. I am sorry he has asked for you, sir," candidly added the steward, as they left the room together. "The fever has abated, but the least excitement will bring it on again."