Hale frowned, as he thought that she was too candid, but Lady Charvington felt more satisfied than she had been. An engaged girl would not be so dangerous. "Then we must ask your prince over to the Court also," she declared effusively and kissed Lesbia again. "I have brought over the car to take you back to dinner. Get your frocks and frills, dear, and we shall start while the afternoon is yet warm."
"Are you ready to go, Lesbia?" asked Hale, smiling artificially, for, from the look on his daughter's face, he was not quite sure if she approved of the invitation.
But he need not have troubled. Lesbia did not like Lady Charvington but, being anxious to see my lady's husband and tell him of her troubles--since the sending of the cheque proved him to be a kindly man,--made up her mind to overcome her mistrust and travel in the motor car. "Everything is ready," she said quietly. "I have only one box."
"Oh, but, my dear, I wish you to stay for a week," protested the lady.
"So I understood, and thank you very much," replied the girl with enforced cordiality. "And the one box of clothes will be sufficient."
"Dear me!" said Lady Charvington with a gasp, "what a careful girl you must be. Why I take five boxes for a week's visit."
"I am not rich enough to do that. Besides," added Lesbia smiling, "I should only cumber up your motor car."
"Oh, that is all right. It's a big thing and holds heaps. Have you ever been in one, my dear girl?"
"Lesbia has lived a very quiet life," interposed Hale quickly, "and knows nothing of modern luxury."
"Poor thing," said Lady Charvington, with a pitying glance. "I hope your prince is wealthy," she added, turning to Lesbia.