Lady Monk took an occasion to introduce Mr. Palliser to Burgo Fitzgerald; with what object it is difficult to say, unless she was anxious to make mischief between the men. Burgo scowled at him; but Mr. Palliser did not notice the scowl, and put out his hand to his late rival most affably. Burgo was forced to take it, and as he did so made a little speech. "I'm sorry that we have not the pleasure of seeing Lady Glencora with you," said he.
"She is unfortunately indisposed," said Mr. Palliser.
"I am sorry for it," said Burgo--"very sorry indeed." Then he turned his back and walked away. The few words he had spoken, and the manner in which he had carried himself, had been such as to make all those around them notice it. Each of them knew that Lady Glencora's name should not have been in Burgo's mouth, and all felt a fear not easily to be defined that something terrible would come of it. But Mr. Palliser himself did not seem to notice anything, or to fear anything; and nothing terrible did come of it during that visit of his to Monkshade.
Lady Monk took an opportunity of introducing Mr. Palliser to Burgo Fitzgerald; why, it is difficult to say, unless it was to make mischief between the men. Burgo scowled at him; but Mr. Palliser did not notice, and put out his hand so affably that Burgo was forced to take it.
"I'm sorry that we have not the pleasure of seeing Lady Glencora," said he.
"She is unfortunately indisposed," said Mr. Palliser.
"I am very sorry for it," said Burgo. Then he turned his back and walked away. His speech and manner were such that everyone around noticed, and felt an indefinable fear. But Mr. Palliser himself did not seem to notice anything; and nothing terrible came of it during his visit to Monkshade.