"Certainly. Another day," suggested Harvey. "I think you are fatigued this afternoon, hardly up to business."
"I have done nothing to cause fatigue." Mr. Dalrymple spoke decisively, yet as he crossed the room, leading the way, Harvey noted a certain unsteadiness.
Slade stood in the hall, apparently on the watch
"Has Miss Rivers returned?" asked Mr. Dalrymple.
"Miss Rivers is in the drawing-room, sir—" Slade stopped, evidently impressed by his master's unwonted paleness.
"Well?" Mr. Dalrymple said.
"Sir, I informed Miss Rivers that you were engaged; and Miss Rivers desired me to let you know, when the interview should be over, that she is waiting tea for you."
Mr. Dalrymple said, "Right," mechanically; and Slade opened the drawing-room door.
"Grandfather! Oh, I am so glad. I was afraid from what Slade said—"
Hermione saw the stranger, and paused; then, with a pretty hesitating air, she came forward.