Footmen appeared; some
guests from the next carriage went to help; there was a general movement
and agitation, in the midst of which Kitty and her companions
disappeared into the house.
Lady Edith Manley and Lord Grosville began to cross the lawn.
"What is the matter?" asked Mrs. Alcot, as they converged.
"Kitty ran over a boy," said Lord Grosville, in evident annoyance. "The
rascal hadn't a scratch, but Kitty must needs pick him up and drive him
home with a nurse. 'I ain't hurt, mum,' says the boy. 'Oh! but you must
be,' said Kitty. I offered to take him to his mother and give him half a
crown. 'It's my duty to look after him,' says Kitty. And she lifted him
up herself--dirty little vagabond!--and put him in the carriage. There
were some laborers and grooms standing near, and one of them sang out,
'Three cheers for Lady Kitty Ashe!' Such a ridiculous scene as you never
saw!"
The old man shrugged his shoulders contemptuously.
"Lady Kitty is always so kind," said the amicable Lady Edith. "But her
pretty dress--I
was sorry!"
"Oh no--only an excuse for a new one," said Mrs. Alcot.
The Dean and Lady Tranmore approached--behind them again Ashe and Mrs.
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