The next moment Sir Percy himself appeared round the further corner of the house and came quickly towards the horses. He had changed his gorgeous ball costume, but was as usual irreproachably and richly apparelled in a suit of fine cloth, with lace jabot and ruffles, high top-boots, and riding breeches.
Marguerite went forward a few steps. He looked up and saw her. A slight frown appeared between his eyes.
“You are going?” she said quickly and feverishly. “Whither?”
“As I have had the honour of informing your ladyship, urgent, most unexpected business calls me to the North this morning,” he said, in his usual cold, drawly manner.
“But . . . your guests to-morrow . . .”
“I have prayed your ladyship to offer my humble excuses to His Royal Highness. You are such a perfect hostess, I do not think that I shall be missed.”
“But surely you might have waited for your journey . . . until after our water-party . . .” she said, still speaking quickly and nervously. “Surely the business is not so urgent . . . and you said nothing about it—just now.”
“My business, as I had the honour to tell you, Madame, is as unexpected as it is urgent. . . . May I therefore crave your permission to go. . . . Can I do aught for you in town? . . . on my way back?”
“No . . . no . . . thanks . . . nothing. . . . But you will be back soon?”
“Very soon.”