"What's that you say?"
"That your ladyship asks what is impossible," said Aurelia, firmly.
"Take that then, insolent minx!" cried the girl, flying forward and
violently slapping Aurelia's soft cheeks, and making a snatch at her
hair.
Loveday screamed, Letty cried, but Fidelia and Bob both rushed forward
to Aurelia's defence, one with her little fists clenched, beating Lady
Belle back, the other tearing at her skirts with his teeth. At that
moment a man's step was heard, and a tall, powerful officer was among
them, uttering a fierce imprecation. "You little vixen, at your
tricks again," he said, taking Belle by the waist, while she kicked
and screamed in vain. She was like an angry cat in his arms. "Be
quiet, Belle," he said, backing into the sitting-room. "Let Loveday
compose your dress. Recover your senses and I shall take you home:
I wish it was to the whipping you deserve."
He thrust her in, waved aside Loveday's excuses about her ladyship not
being denied, and stood with his back to the door as she bounced
shrieking against it from within.
"I fear this little devil has hurt you, madam," he said.
"Not at all, I thank you, sire." said Aurelia, though one side of her
face still tingled.
"She made at you like a little game-cock," he said.
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