‘I have no doubt it is a very good neighbourhood,’ said Lord St. Erme, rising. ‘I must go, or we shall miss the train. Can you tell me how soon you expect Lord Martindale?’
‘About the tenth or eleventh,’ said Theodora.
‘Thank you. Then I must wish you good-bye—’
‘And I must thank you in my sister’s name for the pleasure she will take in what you have done for her little boy. Remember me to Lady Lucy.’
That name was a revelation to Albert, and the door had scarcely closed before he exclaimed—‘Surely, Miss Martindale, that could not be Lord St. Erme!’
‘Yes, it was.’
‘Well!’ cried Mrs. Moss, ‘there was something decidedly the aristocrat in his moustache!’
Albert could not recover from his vexation at having missed such a chance, and was nearly setting off in pursuit of his lordship. Theodora was glad to escape for a moment, on the plea of seeing whether Violet could receive a visit.
In her absence the bride began—‘I can’t see that she is so handsome, after all! And I should be ashamed to wear such a dress as that!’
‘Distinguished people have freaks, my love. Bless me! if I had but known the Earl!’