"No doubt Gwen has told you our piece of news?" she said.
He held out his hand.
"It is official, is it? I am very glad. I wish you joy with all my heart."
She accepted his congratulations with a gracious smile.
"I think everyone is pleased, including those absurd children. By the way, here is a note just come for you, brought by a groom from Crooklands Manor. I was going to bring it up to you, as he is waiting for an answer."
He took it up and opened it hastily, with a murmured excuse. When he looked up, Lady Emberdale saw at once that there was something wrong. She began to question him, but he held the note out to her with a quick gesture, and she took it from him.
"My husband met with an accident while motoring this morning," she read. "He has been brought home, terribly injured, and keeps asking for you. Can you come?
"N. CONINGSBY."
Glancing up, she saw Carey, pale and stern, waiting to speak.
"Send back word, 'Yes, at once,'" he said. "And perhaps you can spare me the car?"