[CHAPTER XX.]
THE END OF IT ALL.
Spencer Ellersby, well-dressed, nonchalant and languid, entered the room with a smile on his face, which faded quickly when he found there was no one present to receive him.
"I thought you said Miss Penfold was here," he observed sharply, turning to the footman who was showing him in.
"So she was, sir," stammered the servant in some confusion, "and two gentlemen."
"Gentlemen!" muttered Ellersby to himself, taking a chair, "some of those empty-headed men about town, I suppose."
"I think Miss Penfold must have gone up to the drawing-room, sir," said the servant, turning towards the door. "Will I take your name up, sir?"
"No," replied Ellersby, with a yawn. "I want to see Sir Rupert just now, so I'll wait here till he comes in, and go upstairs afterwards."
"Very good, sir," said the footman, and was just retiring when Sir Rupert, looking jaded and worried, entered the room, upon which Ellersby rose to his feet, and the footman going out, closed the door behind him.
"Ah, Sir Rupert," he said carelessly, "I am so glad to see you, as I thought I'd have to wait for some time. I must apologise for coming into this room, but your servant said Miss Penfold was here."