"Can you tell me when I shall be likely to find them?"
"Her ladyship gave no orders on the subject, sir."
Maurice stood perplexed, and hesitating.
"Your card, if you please, sir," suggested the demure domestic.
"No, I will call again by and by."
Maurice walked directly back to the park. His suspense was intolerable; he could only endure it for another hour, and then returned to Lady Langdon's.
The same staid attendant reappeared at his knock.
"Has Lady Vivian returned?"
"Not returned, sir."
"Can you tell me when I may depend upon seeing her? I call upon a matter of great importance."