“My master is going away, madam,” replied Simmons, saluting solemnly.
“Yes—yes! I have heard all about that. But where is he now?”
Simmons looked surprised.
“In London by this time, Miss Nugent. He spent the whole of yesterday at Annesley Park, and last evening left for London, where I am to join him to-night.”
Miss Nugent bit her lips with vexation.
“It is extraordinary,” she said. “I really do not understand Colonel Greyson, after his promise to me and knowing how anxious I am concerning my luckless cousin.”
The concluding part of her speech was uttered aside.
“My dear!” Mrs. Nugent mildly remonstrated, “I do not see anything so extraordinary in it. You know what the papers have said about Sir Harold, and it is quite possible that the colonel intends joining him somewhere. I am sure that I shall take a chill if we remain here much longer.”
“You are sure that there is no message for us—for me, Simmons?” continued Margaret.
“Quite sure, madam.”