"Lydstone is so impulsive," she whispered to the first confidant she
could find. It was Colonel Wilders, one of the family--a poor
relation, in fact, commonly called by them "Cousin Bill"--a hale,
hearty, middle-aged man, with grey hair he was not ashamed of, but
erect and vigorous, with a soldierly air. "I wish he would not
advertise himself with such a person in this way."
"A monstrously handsome person!" cried the blunt soldier, evidently
cordially endorsing Lord Lydstone's taste.
"That's not the question, Colonel Wilders; it was not my son's place
to take her to the tea-room, and I am much annoyed. Will you, to
oblige me, go and tell Lydstone I want to speak to him?"
Cousin Bill, docile and obsequious, hurried off to execute her
ladyship's commission. He found the pair chatting pleasantly together
in a corner of the deserted tea-room, and delivered his message.
"Oh, bother!" cried Lord Lydstone undutifully. "What can mother want
with me?"
"You had better go to her," said the colonel, who was a little afraid
of his cousin, the female head of the house. "I will take your place
here--that is to say, if mademoiselle will permit me."
"Madame," corrected Lord Lydstone, who had been already put right
himself. "Let me introduce you. Madame Cyprienne--my cousin, Colonel
Wilders, of the Royal Rangers.
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