A Country Gentleman and His Family · Chapter 46 (2/2)

“If I were you I would see nobody. You will be sure to meet with something unpleasant. Take Chatty home, that is far the best thing you can do. Frances would say the same if she had not that unfortunate desire to please everybody, to say what is agreeable, which makes women so untrustworthy. But my advice is, take Chatty home. In the circumstances it is the only thing to do.”

Chatty rose from where she had been seated by Lady Markland’s side. “Am I to be hidden away?” she said, her pale face flushing nervously. “Have I done anything wrong?”

“How silly to ask such questions. You know well enough what I mean. You have been talked about. My mother has more experience; she can tell you. A girl who has been talked about is always at a disadvantage. She had much better keep quite quiet until the story has all died away.”

“Mother,” cried Chatty, holding out her hands, “take me away then tonight, this moment, from this horrible place, where the people have so little heart and so little sense.”