Gerard was in London, and sent the following note by return of post:—
—— Club, Tuesday.
Dearest Adelaide,
All right. If Chiltern can take me for a couple of nights, I'll come down next week, and settle about the horses, and will arrange everything.
Ever your own, with all my heart,
G. M.
"He will settle about his horses, and arrange everything," said Adelaide, as she showed the letter to Lady Chiltern. "The horses first, and everything afterwards. The everything, of course, includes all my future happiness, the day of my marriage, whether to-morrow or in ten years' time, and the place where we shall live."
"At any rate, he's coming."
"Yes;—but when? He says next week, but he does not name any day. Did you ever hear or see anything so unsatisfactory?"
"I thought you would be glad to see him."
"So I should be,—if there was any sense in him. I shall be glad, and shall kiss him."
"I dare say you will."
"And let him put his arm round my waist and be happy. He will be happy because he will think of nothing beyond. But what is to be the end of it?"
"He says that he will settle everything."