"A few thousand pounds would set him straight," he thought, "and after all, one must not be too hard on the follies of youth."
No need to tell my lady; she looked on these exploits with a keen, cold eye. He went to the drawing-room, where my lady sat looking regally beautiful in black velvet and point lace.
The countess of Lanswell was considered one of the handsomest women in England. She had married very young, and her beauty was still so well preserved that she took her place with the beauties of the day. Husband and children both felt in awe of the beautiful woman, with her queenly grace and bearing.
"Lucia," said the earl, "I thought of running up to town this afternoon. I shall return to-morrow."
"Indeed," said my lady, slowly. "Why this sudden resolution, Ross?"
"There is some little business that no one can attend to but myself," he said. "I shall not be long absent."
"Business of what nature?" asked my lady, her fine eyes fixed on his face.
"Why, dear, it is surely not needful for me to explain my business to you? I have none of which you would not approve. I want to call on my bankers—I want to sell some shares. I have several little reasons for running up to town."
"You remember, of course, that the Beauvoirs dine here to-day?" said my lady.
"Yes, I have not forgotten, but with your usual tact you can apologize for me, Lucia."