Lippincott's Magazine of Popular Literature and Science, page 159 by Various Authors
<< Return to Title Details & Download160
en she immediately began to tell me the news. Of course it was impossible to conceal such a thing. Don't all the servants about know?"
"I don't care who knows," said Lavender moodily. "What does Mrs. Lorraine say about this affair?"
"Mrs. Lorraine says that it serves you right," said Ingram bluntly.
"Thank her very much! I like candor, especially in a fair-weather friend."
"Mrs. Lorraine is a better friend to you than you imagine," Ingram said, taking no notice of the sneer. "When she thought that your going to their house continually was annoying Sheila, she tried to put a stop to it for Sheila's sake. And now, at this very moment, she is doing her very best to find out where Sheila is; and if she succeeds she means to go and plead your cause with the girl."
"I will not have her do anything of the kind," said Lavender fiercely. "I will plead my own cause with Sheila. I will have forgiveness from Sheila herself alone--not brought to me by any intermeddling woman."
"You needn't call names," said Ingram coolly. "But I confess I think you are right; and I told Mrs. Lorraine that was what you would doubtless say. In any case, she can do no harm in trying to find out where Sheila is."
"And how does she propose to succeed? Pollaky, the 'Agony' column, placards, or a bellman? I tell you, Ingram, I won't have that woman meddle in my affairs--coming forward as a Sister of Mercy to heal the wounded, bestowing mock compassion, and laughing all the time."
"Lavender, you are beside yourself. That woman is one of the most good-natured, shrewd, clever and amiable women I have ever met. What has enraged you?"
"Bah! She has got hold of you too, has she? I tell you she is a rank impostor."
"An impostor!" said Ingram slowly. "I have heard a good many people called impostors. Did it ever occur to you that the blame of the imposture might possibly lie with the person imposed on? I have heard of people falling into the delusion that a certain modest and simple-minde