“It is I—Saunders—your lordship.”
“Go to the devil, then.”
“I must see your lordship instantly. Very seriously.”
“Eh, what? I’ll come in a minute,” and I heard him stirring, and the voice of Lady Trent.
How should I break the news to him? What would the Marchioness say when she knew? Twelve thousand pounds’ worth of jewels is no trifle. Not to mention my gold watch, my two sovereigns, my sixpence, and my two halfpennies. And also the half-crown which I had given to have the message despatched to his lordship. It was the half-crown that specially rankled.
Lord Trent appeared at the door of his room, arrayed in his crimson dressing-gown.
“Well, Saunders, what in the name of——”
“My lord,” I stammered, and then I told him the whole story.
He smiled, he laughed, he roared.
“I daresay it sounds very funny, my lord,” I said, “but it wasn’t funny at the time, and Lady Cockfosters won’t think it very funny.”