The Chevalier de Monpres had taken the precaution of sending to the earl’s residence, with the request that his groom should bring round one of his master’s saddle horses, and the man arrived at the widow’s chateau with a magnificent animal before the inmates of the establishment had finished breakfast.
“It is very kind and considerate of the chevalier,” cried Madame Trieste, “and redounds very much to his credit. He, like ourselves, my lord, knows the class of people we have to deal with.”
“Yes, I have good reason to be thankful for the active part the chevalier has taken. He has befriended me in a way I had no reason to expect from one whose acquaintance I had so recently made. I owe him a deep debt of gratitude.”
“To crown all,” cried the widow, “he must be a most worthy man in addition to being a remarkably clever and courteous one.”
“I should very much have liked to introduce him to you,” observed the earl; “and indeed it would be as well, perhaps, to do so now.”
“No, no—some other time. A more favourable opportunity will occur,” said Theresa. “Do not linger here for any such purpose.”
“Upon my word, mademoiselle, it seems to me that you are in a monstrous hurry to get rid of me,” said the earl, with a sickly smile.
“It is only out of consideration for you, my lord,” returned Madame Trieste. “My dear Theresa would not willingly part with you unless the urgency of the case demanded it.”
“I am well convinced of that, madame—at least, I flatter myself that such is the case,” returned Lord Ethalwood.
The groom informed his master that the Chevalier de Monpres had sent a message, requesting the earl to call at the chateau where he was staying as he proceeded on his road home.