The Salamanca Corpus: Yeoman Fleetwood (1900 ... - Gredos

The Salamanca Corpus: Yeoman Fleetwood (1900)
justs talks him down. ‘Did you hear me speak, George?' says his ‘ighness after a bit, and
Mr. Brummel says-"
But what Mr. Brummel said was not destined to transpire, for here Simon's patience
came to an end.
"Answer my question," he said sternly, "or I shall make you regret your insolence."
His hitherto quiet aspect and plain dress had led the fellow to suppose him to be a
person of so little consequence that he could be slighted with impunity; the yeoman's
authoritative manner now caused him to think himself mistaken, and he answered
quickly and respectfully.
"Yes, sir, this is her ladyship's house; but she is not at home at present. She has gone to
the play, and will not be back till late."
"Miss Charnock is staying here, I believe," pursued Simon, in tones harsh with
suppressed emotion. "Does she happen to be in?"
Before answering, the man glanced with dismay at his companion.
[333]
“Miss Charnock has gone to the theatre with her ladyship, sir. Who may I have the
honour to say called, sir?”
"I thank you," returned Simon; "I will not leave my name: I shall come again tomorrow,
probably."
Before he turned away he saw the two men grin meaningly at each other, and as he
crossed the road he fancied he heard the words ‘There goes another d—d fool'.
He walked away more slowly than was his wont, for the same feeling of oppression and
nausea came upon him which had overtaken him on the perusal of Bertha's letter. The
talk of the two men had at first merely disgusted him, but now seemed to convey a
terrible meaning: it was irresistibly borne in upon him that they alluded to Rachel.
Indeed, even if their words, as they recurred to him, had not of themselves pointed to
her, their meaning looks, their evident consternation on discovering his acquaintance
with the young lady, their insulting pity would have made it clear to him. Good
Heavens! was his wife spoken of thus, was her name not only bandied about by gossips
of her own rank, but even in the mouths of servants?