A few days later it was announced that, by the direction of the owner, Chancery, one of the most exquisite examples of a mediæval manor-house, had been thrown open to the public and could be visited until further notice any weekday between the hours of two and four o’clock.
The four Americans passed slowly round the broad, flagged walk and, turning a corner of the house, found themselves once more before the main doorway. Their tour of the apartments had lasted half an hour.
One of the men took out a note-case, but the girl touched his arm and shook her head.
“No, no,” she whispered.
The man hesitated, pointing to the back of their guide.
“Put it away,” said the girl shortly.
Her squire obeyed, staring.
Willoughby Bagot turned.
The moment he always dreaded had arrived.