"I--I--do not know you," she replied, surprised.
She was lying, when he entered the room, on a little couch drawn close
to the window, the sunlight, which fell full upon her, lighting up the
golden hair and refined face with unearthly beauty. When he uttered her
name, she stood up, and so like her mother did she appear that it was
with difficulty he could refrain from clasping her in his arms. But he
must not startle her, he reflected--he saw how fragile she was.
"You call me Madaline," she said again--"but I do not know you."
Before answering her, Lord Mountdean turned to Margaret.
"Will you leave us alone?" he requested, but Lady Arleigh stretched out
her hand.
"That is my mother," she said--"she must not be sent away from me."
"I will not be long away, Madaline. You must listen to what this
gentleman says--and, my dear, do not let it upset you."
Mrs. Dornham retired, closing the door carefully behind her, and Lady
Arleigh and the earl stood looking at each Other.
"You call we Madaline," she said, "and you send my mother from me. What
can you have to say?" A sudden thought occurred to her.
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