As it was wide open, and all could see into the hall, an apparition appeared upon the scene, coming from the passage that leads to the "den"—Augustus, being supported by Atkinson and one of the footmen, and singing snatches of some low music-hall song.
In an instant Antony had sprung forward and closed the door, Mr.
McCormack and the others standing open-mouthed and inert.
"There, I knew it was no chill!" exclaimed Mrs. Dodd.
"Hush, madam!" said Antony, sternly, his eyes flashing green-blue fire. "We were very comfortable at the table. Shall we not all sit down again?"
Lady Wakely at once returned to her chair. The meek Mrs. Broun put her hand on my arm in sympathy, but I annihilated her with a look as I swept back to my seat, and soon my guests were once more in their places.
Then it was that Antony exerted himself to amuse this company. With the most admirable tact and self-composure, he kept the whole party entertained for half an hour. And when we again left the room it was en bande, without ceremony, the men accompanying us.
Lady Wakely kindly said good-night in quite a few minutes, and the other women followed her example. I spoke no word of thanks to Antony. I did not even look into his face.
When I got to my boudoir I could hear Augustus's drunken snores from the room beyond. He had mercifully fallen asleep.
I did not ring for McGreggor. I would stay in my sitting-room all night. Roy came up to me and licked my hand. Then suddenly something seemed to give way in my will, and I dropped on the rug beside my dog and cried as I have never cried in my life, my head buried in his soft, black coat.
Oh, grandmamma, forgive me for such weakness! But surely, if we had known of this horror, even the Calincourts need not have kept their word to a drunken man!