"Only just for the evening; I—in fact I have to go to Blent."
There was a moment's silence. Glances were exchanged, while Neeld made half-hearted efforts to grapple with an egg. Then Bob Broadley broke out with a laugh,
"Oh, hang it all, out with it, Mr Neeld!"
"Well, I'm not told to be silent; and it must become known immediately. Madame Zabriska telegraphs to me that they are to be married early this morning, and will come to Blent by the 1.30 train. She herself leaves by the 11 o'clock, will be there at five, and wishes me to join her."
"By Jove, he's done it then!" exclaimed Iver.
Everybody looked very solemn except Neeld, who was sadly confused.
"Dear, dear!" murmured Mrs Iver.
"She must be very much in love with him," remarked Janie.
"It's his conduct more than hers which needs explanation," Iver observed dryly. "And what do they want you for, Neeld?" If his tone and his question were not very flattering, they were excused by the obvious fact that there was no sort of reason for wanting Mr Neeld—or at any rate seemed to all that party to be none.