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"In what way has my behavior been unbecoming?" she said aloud,

turning her head swiftly and looking him straight in the face,

not with the bright expression that seemed covering something,

but with a look of determination, under which she concealed with

difficulty the dismay she was feeling.

"Mind," he said, pointing to the open window opposite the

coachman.

He got up and pulled up the window.

"What did you consider unbecoming?" she repeated.

"The despair you were unable to conceal at the accident to one of

the riders."

He waited for her to answer, but she was silent, looking straight

before her.

"I have already begged you so to conduct yourself in society that

even malicious tongues can find nothing to say against you. There

was a time when I spoke of your inward attitude, but I am not

speaking of that now. Now I speak only of your external attitude.

You have behaved improperly, and I would wish it not to occur

again."