In pursuance therefore of this resolution, he determined to make enquiry of Lord Montreville himself; of whom he had just known so much at Naples as to receive cards of invitation to Lady Montreville's conversationes.
There, he mingled with the croud; and was slightly noticed as an Englishman of fortune; smiled at for his affectation of company and manners, which seemed foreign to his original line of life; and then forgotten.
But Elkerton conceived this to be more than introduction enough; and dressing himself in what he thought un disabille la plus imposante, and with his servants in their morning liveries, he stopped at the door of Lord Montreville.
'Lord Montreville was not at home.'
'When was he expected?'
'It was uncertain: his Lordship was at Audley-hall, and might be in town in a fortnight; or might not come up till the meeting of Parliament.'
'And are all the family there?' enquired Elkerton of the porter.
'No, Sir; Mr. Delamere is in town.'
'And when can I see Mr. Delamere?'
The porter could not tell, as he did not live in Berkley-Square.