“By the help of a paper boat,” said the baron, laughing; and the two gentlemen shook hands and parted.
CHAPTER VI.
Meanwhile Audley Egerton’s carriage had deposited him at the door of Lord Lansmere’s house, at Knightsbridge. He asked for the countess, and was shown into the drawing-room, which was deserted. Egerton was paler than usual; and as the door opened, he wiped the unwonted moisture from his forehead, and there was a quiver on his firm lip. The countess too, on entering, showed an emotion almost equally unusual to her self-control. She pressed Audley’s hand in silence, and seating herself by his side, seemed to collect her thoughts. At length she said,
“It is rarely indeed that we meet, Mr. Egerton, in spite of your intimacy with Lansmere and Harley. I go so little into your world, and you will not voluntarily come to me.”
“Madam,” replied Egerton, “I might evade your kind reproach by stating that my hours are not at my disposal; but I answer you with plain truth,—it must be painful to both of us to meet.”
The countess coloured and sighed, but did not dispute the assertion.
Audley resumed: “And therefore, I presume that, in sending for me, you have something of moment to communicate?”
“It relates to Harley,” said the countess, as if in apology; “and I would take your advice.”
“To Harley! Speak on, I beseech you.”