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Of the Lady’s Chamber

“Damn you, you muckworm, you rascal—you——” And taking the flat of my sword I was there and then for laying ’em all to the floor and shovelling ’em into the street. But at that her ladyship, who had been feigning a rare flutter, now stepped in, putting up a pretty arm afore me.

“Stay, Sir Paul,” says she, and then very imperiously to Wilkins, “You have dared doubt a gentleman’s own word of what he is, and the word of his wife, that he is her husband. Well, as you be King’s officers, you shall have witness, as is in your right to ask. Cynthia!” she calls, and Miss comes up, looking very white and frightened. “Who is this?” says she, pointing at me.

“Sir Paul Fulton,” says the girl with a little hesitation.

“And my husband?” says her ladyship sharply.

“Yes,” says Miss in a low voice.

Her ladyship faces the traps. “Well?” she says.

Wilkins looked all confused; and at this

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