The earl glanced at it, and handed it to the countess.
"Bertie Fairfax!" she breathed.
"Show Mr. Fairfax into the library," said the earl.
Then, when the servant had withdrawn, he smiled over his cup quite calmly and unmoved.
"Bertie Fairfax," said the countess, with a frown.
"What is to be done? Of course he comes to ask for Ethel."
"Not having seen him, I cannot say."
"What shall you say if he does?"
"It all depends," said the earl, wiping his mustache. "I may have to order him to leave the house, or I may——"
"Be careful!" said the countess.