"No; but I don't think I asked her. She likes us to be official, you know."
"I never heard such inhuman nonsense in my life!" exclaimed Trevellyan in tones of most unwonted violence.
They both laughed, and the next minute Grace said, "Listen!"
They both heard wheels.
"It's the dog-cart. I thought so. It was the only thing left, and I suppose they've got hold of a boy to drive it. Thank goodness! Miss Jones," said Trevellyan for the fourth time, "I can't tell you what I think of you; you've been simply wonderful."
"Don't! Of course I haven't."
Grace's voice was more agitated than accorded with her previous declaration of imperturbability, and something in the few shaky words caused John to put out his hand and grasp hers for a moment, while he hailed the cart.
"Here we are! Did Miss Vivian send you?"
"Her ladyship, sir. Couldn't come any faster, sir; the roads are so bad."
"They are. How is Sir Piers?"