CHAPTER XXIII.
Ferdinand Receives the Most Interesting Invitation to
Dinner Ever Offered to Him.
IS NOT it wonderful?’ said Ferdinand, when he had finished his history to Count Mirabel.
‘Not the least,’ said the Count, ‘I never knew anything less surprising. ‘Tis exactly what I said, ‘tis the most natural termination in the world.’
‘Ah, my dear Mirabel, you are a prophet! What a lucky fellow I am to have such a friend as you!’
‘To be sure you are. Take some more coffee. What are you going to do with yourself?’
‘I do not know what to do with myself. I really do not like to go anywhere until I have heard from Montfort. I think I shall go to my hotel’ ‘I will drive you. It is now three o’clock.’ But just at this moment, Mr. Bevil called on the Count, and another hour disappeared. When they were fairly in the cabriolet, there were so many places to call at, and so many persons to see, that it was nearly six o’clock when they reached the hotel. Ferdinand ran up stairs to see if there were any letter from Lord Montfort. He found his lordship’s card, and also Mr. Temple’s; they had called about half an hour ago; there was also a note. These were its contents:—
‘Grosvenor-square, Thursday.
‘My Dear Captain Armine,