"Excuse me for asking the question," he replied, "but are your relations with your husband's great-aunt quite cordial?"
"On the contrary, they are quite the reverse. She detests all Americans, and was very much put out at poor Harold for marrying me. Her refusal to be present at our wedding was almost an insult," she returned.
"That doesn't seem to promise a pleasant reception at Melton Court," he said.
"Far from it; but any port is acceptable in a storm, and she can hardly refuse us shelter. After all I've done nothing to be ashamed of in marrying my husband or being carried off with you."
"Oh, I'll trust you to hold your own with any dowager in the United Kingdom; but where do I come in?"
"You are my Consul, and under the circumstances my national protector; I can't do without you."
"I am not at all sure that her ladyship will see it in that light; but, as you say, it is better than nothing, and our position can't be worse than it is at present."
"Then it is agreed we stand by each other through thick and thin?"
"Exactly," he replied, and shook her extended hand. At this moment the train came in, and they returned to the carriage.
Lord Cowbray did not put in an appearance, and they were soon under way for Melton Court, which was some miles distant from the town. By the time they entered the grounds it was quite dark, and they could only see that the park was extensive, and that the Court seemed large and gloomy and might have dated from the Elizabethan period.