At this moment, Cayley returned.
"Something doing, Mr. Cayley?" said Miss Cavendish mischievously.
"Yes, unfortunately. It's a matter of business and important. I've got to see a man to-morrow morning in the city. It's too bad, but I'll have to go down to-night, after all."
"Why, the idea!" Mrs. Page cried indignantly. "You'll do no such a thing! It's outrageous! We can't possibly spare you, Blan; you'll spoil the party!"
"It's my loss. I've got to go, really!" said Cayley. He turned to Clytie. "I'll have to turn you over to Mr. Granthope, I'm afraid. I don't want you to miss the time, of course."
Clytie looked at Granthope, puzzled.
"You shan't go, anyway, Miss Payson!" Mrs. Page insisted. "Why, we're going to get up and see the sunrise to-morrow morning! That's what we came for. Please don't break up the party," she begged.
Clytie smiled subtly, and hazarded another glance at Granthope.
"I really came up to bring Miss Payson home," he said, "but of course I'll leave it to her. The fact is, I've brought her a message from her father."
"Oh!" Mrs. Page exclaimed, "I do hope it isn't bad news."