Chapter 24

Lady Rundel rose slowly from her chair. O’Hagan observed her slim figure with smiling, aesthetic appreciation. She walked across to a small table, glancing at some trifle which it bore—and turned, leaning back upon the table-edge. “What do you mean, then?” she asked. “At whom are they laughing?” O’Hagan shrugged his shoulders with feigned embarrassment. “A man who has been tarred and feathered,” he began—— “Tarred and feathered!” Her eyes were opened widely. “Captain O’Hagan! Whatever do you mean?” “—Casts ridicule…