Lady Oxford was put out of countenance.
'What am I to do to earn the packet which is mine?' she asked bitterly.
'The simplest thing imaginable. Your ladyship, I fear me, has not slept well. What say you to a little country air, with your humble servant for a companion? If your ladyship would order your carriage to be at your door in an hour's time we might take the air for a while together. On our return your ladyship will be refreshed for this evening's diversions, and I shall be the lighter by a packet of letters.'
Lady Oxford did not know what to make of the Colonel's proposal, but she perforce consented to it.
'I obey your orders,' said she bitterly; and Montague went back to Wogan, whom he found sitting on the edge of the bed and disconsolately swinging his legs.
'I have a letter for you from Lord Sidney Beauclerk,' said Montague.
It was a very polite letter, and assured Mr. Wogan that he would on no account fight with him in England; but would cut his throat somewhere in France with the greatest friendliness possible.
'Very well,' said Wogan, 'but I have to reach France first.'
'You will start in an hour's time,' said Montague.
'In broad daylight?' asked Wogan. 'And what of the ill wind and the sore throat that's like to come of it?'