“The South——! My dear fellow, why not suggest Putney, or the Star and Garter? Why do you wish to go westward from Hyde Park in search of luncheon?”
“I have a particular reason. I am to meet someone at the Museum this afternoon; and I want to ask your advice first. You might as well come; it’s only a matter of a few minutes if we drive.”
“Well, as you please. I have not been to the Museum for years.”
“All right. Come al——oh, damn! There’s Lady Carbury and Constance coming out of the Park. Dont look at them. Come on.”
But Constance, sitting a little more uprightly than her mother, who was supine upon the carriage cushions, had seen the two gentlemen as they stood talking.
“Mamma,” she said, “there’s Marmaduke and Sholto Douglas.”
“Where???” said the Countess, lifting her head quickly. “Josephs, drive slowly. Where are they, Constance?”
“They are going away. I believe Marmaduke saw us. There he is, passing the hospital.”
“We must go and speak to them. Look pleasant, child; and dont make a fool of yourself.”
“Surely youll not speak to him, mamma! You dont expect me——”