Next morning a groom came over with kind inquiries from the Hall. Mr
and Mrs Maplestone were anxious to hear if Miss Wastneys had recovered
from the shock of yesterday. Miss Wastneys returned thanks for kind
inquiries. She was suffering a good deal of pain, but her injuries were
not serious.
Recovered, indeed! When I was a mass of bruises and aches, to say
nothing of jumpy nerves. I was not inclined to make light of my
injuries to Mr Robert Maplestone.
Later on the General's valet made his appearance.
"General Underwood was anxious to hear how Miss Wastneys was this
morning. He was distressed to hear that she had been hurt."
That was more tactful! Moreover, on receiving the bulletin, the man
informed our maid that the old gentleman was rarely upset because he had
been rude to the young lady. As soon as he was able he was coming in
person to apologise.
Charmion listened quietly to the repetition of this announcement. When
the maid left the room, she turned to me as I lay on the sofa, being
very sorry for myself, and lifted inquiring brows.
"Well, Evelyn. You know what this means?"