“With you! You’re going to travel!” gasped Lady Sarah, quite openly dismayed by the prospect.
A cloud appeared on her husband’s brow.
“Yes,” said he. “I’ve never been there myself, and I think I should enjoy it as much as you would. I hope you won’t think my society will spoil the trip for you.”
“Oh, no, of course, I shall be delighted to have you,” said the beauty, in tones so cold and with such a vicious glance at Rhoda and such a frown of dismay at Jack that it was impossible not to understand that the announcement was a terrible shock to her. “And when did you make up your mind to this? Rather sudden, isn’t it?”
“Not too sudden, I hope.”
“Oh, no, of course not. It will be delightful.”
Lady Sarah’s manner was not encouraging. She at once changed the subject and began to talk about other things; and nothing more was said about the proposed trip until the ladies left the room. Then Lady Sarah seized Rhoda almost roughly by the arm, and asked:
“You had heard about this horrible Egypt trip, I suppose, before me?”
“Yes. Sir Robert mentioned it to me this afternoon.”
“Ah! You encouraged him in the wild idea, perhaps?”