On entering the boudoir, Lady Lovesport locked the door towards the passage, and then came straight up to where Harry was standing in the middle of the room. He was very pale, but he had a resolute composed aspect, as if he had made up his mind to endure the worst that could happen to him. “So, you young rascal,” she said to him, “is this the return you make to me for all my kindness to you, that I cannot go with my niece to bathe but you must play the spy upon us? What have you to say for yourself? Can you venture to deny your shameful conduct?” Harry cast his eyes down when she began to address him, but said nothing while she continued to upbraid him for his disgraceful proceeding.

Finding that he did not attempt to deny his fault or justify himself, but maintained what she called a stubborn silence, she announced her intention to flog him for his misconduct. She said that her first intention had been to send him off instantly, and never to see him again; but that, on further reflection, she had determined to try the effect of a sound flogging in the hope that it might cure him of such naughty practices for the future. She told him that she had no wish to expose his shameful conduct and his disgrace to the servants; but she was determined that he should not escape punishment, and if he did not submit to it quietly, Mr. Everard was in the house and she would call him to assist her in any manner that might be necessary. Here Harry's pride was roused, and he answered boldly that he knew he had done wrong and was sorry he had offended her, and was willing to submit to any punishment she might choose to inflict, but that neither Mr. Everard nor any servant should ever flog him or assist in holding him to be flogged, even if they should kill him.

Lady Lovesport seemed not a little surprised at this exhibition of spirit, but it did not appear to displease her and she said more mildly that if he was willing to submit to any punishment quietly, she would not do anything to hurt his feelings unnecessarily, but that if he made the least resistance she would immediately call in assistance, whatever might be the consequences.