Her daughter watched her departure, and only when she had disappeared burst into a laugh. In a moment she was grave once again. She remained seated without changing her attitude or expression for a long time. At last she sprang to her feet, saying out loud, as though some one were present to hear her:
"What a fool thou art, friend Nell, to become glum over a boy sweetheart--and a link boy, of all boys. Were I to tell Mr. Dryden of my fancy, he would write one of his verses about it, making out that poor Dick was the little god Cupid in disguise, and that his link was the torch of love. But I'll not see him.'T were best not. He'll hear all, soon enough, and loathe me as at times I loathe myself--no, no; not so much as that, not so much as that: Dick had always a kind heart. No; I'll not see him." She went resolutely to the bell-pull, but when there, stood irresolute with the ornamental ring of brass in her hand, for some moments before pulling it. She gave it a sudden jerk, and when it was responded to by a lacquey, she said:
"Should a man call asking to see me within the next hour, he is to be told--with civility, mind you: he is a gentleman--that--that I am in this room, and that I will see him for five minutes--only five minutes, mind you, sirrah."
"And the man--the gentleman--is to be admitted, madam?"
"Go away, you numbskull! How could I regulate the time? I'm no astronomer."
"Madam, I meant but to inquire if you are to be interrupted at the end of five minutes."
"I gave you no such instruction, sirrah. It is enough for you to carry out the instruction I gave you. Carry it out, and yourself in the bargain."
The man bowed and withdrew. He was familiar with the colloquial style of his mistress and her moods.
When the man had gone Nelly laughed again, but suddenly became graver even than she had yet been.
"What have I done?" she cried. "Oh, there never was so great a fool as me! No, no; I'll not see him! I have as kind a heart as Dick, and I'll prove it by not seeing him."
And yet, when she had her hand on the lock of the door, she stood irresolute once again for some moments. Then she went out with a firm step, her intention being to countermand in the hall the instructions she had given to the servant in the parlour; but in the hall she found herself face to face with her old friend, Sir Charles Sedley. He had brought her a bunch of violets.