"But, madam——"
"I am Mrs. Scarsdale, Lady Diana's great-niece," she said quietly. The footman touched his hat.
"Was her ladyship expecting you? We were sent to meet this next train, but——"
"No, we are here unexpectedly ourselves; but I dare say there will be room for all, as the carriage holds four."
"There will only be Lord Cowbray, madam, and his lordship may not arrive till the nine-thirty. If you would not mind driving to the station?"
"It is just what we wish," she replied, and calmly stepped into the carriage and seated herself by the Consul's side, who was so amazed at the turn affairs had taken that he remained speechless.
"Shall I see to your luggage, madam?" inquired the footman as they drew up opposite the waiting-room door.
"No," she replied, stepping out on the platform. "We will attend to it ourselves; it will only be necessary to take up our hand-bags for to-night."
Accompanied by the Consul she went in search of their belongings, and at her suggestion he took a Gladstone belonging to the absent Scarsdale, and a dressing-case which she designated as her own property.
"I was anxious to have a word alone with you," she said as they emerged once more on the platform, "and we can't talk on personal matters during the drive to the Court. You see my position is a little peculiar."