He stepped forward at once and lifted his hat, saying, in a cold, constrained voice:
“Might I speak with you a moment, Lady Gwendolyn?”
The color faded out of her face, but she looked up at him steadily and unflinchingly.
“I am afraid I have no time now, Colonel Dacre. I have ordered my fly, and expect it round every minute.”
“I will not detain your ladyship long,” he said; and his voice was like ice. “It is absolutely necessary that you should hear what I have to say, otherwise I would not disturb you at such a time and in such a place.”
She lifted her head with a haughty gesture.
“It is impossible you should have anything of so much importance to communicate to me, Colonel Dacre.”
“I think you will find that you are mistaken, Lady Gwendolyn.”
His stern, decided manner evidently startled her, for she turned to Lady Teignmouth, who was standing at her side, and said quietly:
“Has anything happened, Pauline? Reggie was quite well yesterday——”