There was no time for more.
"Tom, there's riches in it for you if we told you," laughed Semingham; "but Ruston's going to put it all right."
Tom gave a not very easy laugh.
"Fancy old Carlin not wiring!" exclaimed Willie Ruston.
"Shall I sell?" asked Adela, trying to be frivolous.
"Hold for your life, Miss Ferrars," said Willie; and going up to Bessie Semingham he held out his hand.
"What, are you really off? It's too bad of you, Mr. Ruston! Not that I've seen much of you. Maggie has quite monopolised you."
Adela and Tom looked at the ground. Semingham turned his back; his smile would not be smothered.
"Of course you're going to say good-bye to her?" pursued Lady Semingham.
Tom looked up, and Adela followed his example. They were rewarded—if it were a reward—by seeing a slight frown—the first shadow since he had been with them—on Ruston's brow. But he answered briskly, with a glance at his watch,