"I have known a fair number of bad people," said Lady Grosville, in a
low voice--"and a good many wicked women. But for meanness and vileness
combined, the things I know of the woman who was Blackwater's wife have
no equal in my experience!"
There was a moment's pause. Then Ashe said, in a voice as serious as her
own:
"I am sorry to hear you say that, partly because I like Madame
d'Estrees, and partly--because--I was particularly attracted by Lady
Kitty."
Lady Grosville looked up sharply. "Don't marry her, William!--don't
marry her! She comes of a bad stock."
Ashe recovered his gayety.
"She is your own niece. Mightn't a man dare--on that guarantee?"
"Not at all," said Lady Grosville, unappeased. "I was a hop out of kin.
Besides--a Methodist governess saved me; she converted me, at eighteen,
and I owe her everything. But my brothers--and all the rest of us!" She
threw up her eyes and hands. "What's the good of being mealy mouthed
about it? All the world knows it. A good many of us were mad--and I
sometimes think I see more than eccentricity in Kitty."
"Who was Madame d'Estrees?" said Ashe. Why should he wince so at the
girl's name?--in that hard mouth?
Lady Grosville smiled.
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