"I do wish," he said in conclusion, "that you'd take a stroll with me this afternoon; the deer park is quite worth seeing, I understand, and besides there are lots of things I want to talk to you about."
It was during this proposition that Lieutenant Kingsland, preceded by the Dowager, entered the breakfast-room.
"Oh, I say," blurted out that officer, "I think we've got an appointment after lunch, haven't we?"
"I think not, Lieutenant Kingsland," replied Lady Isabelle, foreseeing the crisis, and realising the necessity of immediate action. Then turning to Stanley, she added:—
"Thanks, I should enjoy a good walk hugely, and I love deer. It was very kind of you to suggest it. What time shall we start?"
"Say three o'clock," said the Secretary, immensely rejoiced at his restoration to favour.
"Three, let it be then, if mamma approves."
It was only too evident that mamma did approve; she nodded and smiled, and said that exercise was a splendid thing for young people; till Stanley became frightened at her excessive geniality, and Kingsland looked black as a thunder-cloud.
The Lieutenant was not, however, so easily baffled, and jumped to the conclusion that half of Lady Isabelle was better than no Lady Isabelle at all.
"Three's not company, I know," he said, laughing with attempted gaiety, "but I'm no end fond of deer myself."