"Miss Doris Brace is not at home," he replied, grimly.
"Indeed!" said the stranger. "I am sorry for that; I had relied upon seeing her. Perhaps I may be more fortunate to-morrow."
"I do not think you will," was the reply; "she will not be at home."
"Perhaps, then, the day after?" was the insinuating comment.
"No, nor the day after," replied Mark; "she will not be at home—she is not in Brackenside."
Now my lord had laid all his plans most prudently; he did not intend to compromise himself at all. If the whole affair turned out to be a huge mistake, as it might do, he would not say anything that could prejudice his cause in the least. No harm could possibly arise if he said that he had met Miss Doris Brace; he had seen her at the Castle; and if hardly pushed he could quote that meeting. But the farmer was a very fortress—he returned none but the most simple, vague, and honest answers, saying that she was not at home, she would not be at home, but looking most amiably deaf when any allusion was made to change of fortune.
CHAPTER LXIX.
LORD VIVIANNE PROPOSES A LITTLE DISCUSSION.
"If I may take the liberty," said Lord Vivianne, turning with his most amiable smile to Mrs. Brace, "I should so much like to ask for a cup of tea. I was anxious to see your daughter, so did not wait to take any refreshments at the hotel. It is a great disappointment to me."
"Yes," said Mark, quietly, "it is wonderful how many disappointments we have to bear."