The butler appeared surprised. He had taken Margaret for a visitor, and had been wondering how on earth she had got into the place without his knowing it?
"In—deed, Mrs. Hale! Glad to see you, miss."
"Yes, Mr. Stibbings; and, would you believe it, she's been in our picture-gallery, and——"
But Mr. Stibbings seemed too hurried and full of suppressed excitement to attend.
"Mrs. Hale, ma'am, you'll scarcely credit it, but——" he drew nearer and lowered his voice to a whisper.
"Bless my heart!" exclaimed the old lady. "Dear, dear me! What is to be done? Will he stay, do you think? You'll let me know at once, there will be a great deal to see to——"
"Yes, yes," said the butler. "I'm going to find out. He has only just been announced. I don't know yet whether the earl will see him. Extraordinary, isn't it?" and he hurried on his way.
"Ex—tra—ordinary!" responded the old lady, staring at Margaret.
"What has happened, grandma?" asked Margaret, with a laugh.
"It's no laughing matter, my dear!" said the old lady, gravely. "Lord Blair Leyton has come."