The stately footman looked as though he were pondering upon the propriety of making any satisfactory answer to this question.
Maurice repeated the inquiry with such an anxious intonation, such a perturbed air, that the stolid domestic, accustomed to behold only the conventional composure which allows no pulse to betray its beating, was moved out of the even tenor of his way by astonishment.
"Lady Vivian went with my lady and a large party to Hampton Court. Their ladyships will probably spend the day."
"The day!" exclaimed Maurice, in an accent of consternation.
The footman evidently thought that he had proffered more than sufficient information, and made a dignified attempt to put a close to the interview, by extending his hand, and saying, "I will see that your card reaches her ladyship."
"No, there is no need of my leaving a card: I shall return. At what hour does Lady Langdon dine?"
"At seven, sir."
"I will take the liberty of calling after dinner."
The footman looked as though he decidedly thought it was a liberty, and Maurice turned slowly away from the closing door.
What could be done to shorten the endless hours that stretched their weary length between that period and evening? Hampton Court! What was to prevent his going to Hampton Court? He might meet Lady Vivian and Madeleine, there; nothing was more likely, since they were to spend the day. His spirits revived as he signalled an empty cab, and requested to be driven as rapidly as possible to Hampton Court. He took no note of the length of time occupied in reaching his destination: it was a relief to be in motion, and to know that every moment brought him nearer a locality where the lost one might be found.