“The humiliation which you had intended for this family, Miss Henderson, is alone what demands consideration from _me_. If what you call your exculpation requires Captain Martin's presence, I confess I see no objection to it.”
“It is only, then, because your Ladyship is angry with me that you could bring yourself to think so, especially since another and much easier solution of the difficulty offers itself.”
“I understand you, young lady. I am to send you back to your father's house as one whose presence here was too dangerous, whose attractions could only be resisted by means of absence and distance. A very interesting martyrdom might have been made of it, I 've no doubt, and even some speculation as to the conduct of a young gentleman so suddenly bereaved of the object of his affections. But all this is much too dignified for me. _My_ son shall be taught to respect himself without the intervention of any contrivance.”
As she uttered the last words, she arose and approached the bell.
“I am going to send for Captain Martin, Miss Henderson.”
“Do not, I entreat of you,--I implore your Ladyship,” cried Kate, with her clasped hands trembling as she spoke.
“This agitation is not without a cause, and would alone decide me to call for my son.”
“If I have ever deserved well at your hands, my Lady,--if I have served you faithfully in anything,--if my devotion has lightened you of one care, or aided you through one difficulty,--spare me, oh, spare me, I beseech you, this--degradation!”
“I have a higher consideration to consult here, Miss Henderson, than any which can have reference to you.” She pulled the bell violently, and while her hand still held the cord, the servant entered. “Tell Captain Martin to come here,” said she, and sat down.
Kate leaned her arm upon the chimney-piece, and, resting her head on it, never uttered a word.
For several minutes the silence was unbroken on either side. At last Lady Dorothea started suddenly, and said,--“We cannot receive Captain Martin here.”
“Your Ladyship is full of consideration,” said Kate, bitterly. “For a moment I had thought it was only an additional humiliation to which you had destined me.”
“Follow me into the drawing-room, Miss Henderson,” said Lady Dorothea, proudly, as she left the room. And with slow, submissive mien Kate quitted the chamber, and walked after her.