“Even Lady Emily,” he answered, “will not tempt me. I will see you safely inside. Afterwards, if your persistent follower is hanging about, I will endeavor to talk him into a more reasonable frame of mind.”
She was silent for a moment. Then she turned to him abruptly.
“You are more kind to me sometimes than I deserve, Wingrave,” she remarked.
“It is not kindness,” he answered. “I dislike absurd situations. Here we are! Permit me!”
Wingrave kept his word. He saw Lady Ruth to her front door, and then turned back towards his carriage. Standing by the side of the footman, a little breathless, haggard and disheveled-looking, was the young man who had attempted to check their progress a few minutes ago.
Wingrave took hold of his arm firmly.
“Get in there,” he ordered, pointing to the carriage.
The young man tried to escape, but he was held as though in a vise. Before he well knew where he was, he was in the carriage, and Wingrave was seated by his side.
“What do you want with me?” he asked hoarsely.
“I want to know what you mean by following that lady about?” Wingrave asked.