‘Why should you, if you are tired, and want to go to bed?’
‘Because Lady Brotherton will not like my being included in the invitation. She will think it absurd of me not to go home.’
‘There is no occasion to go near her, then.’
‘I do not choose to sleep in the house without knowing that she knows it.’
We went. I made my way to Lady Brotherton. Clara was standing near her.
‘I am much obliged by your hospitality, Lady Brotherton,’ I said. ‘It is rather a rough night to encounter in evening dress.’
She bowed.
‘The distance is not great, however,’ I said, ‘and perhaps—’
‘Out of the question!’ said Sir Giles, who came up at the moment.
Will you see, then, Sir Giles, that a room is prepared for your
guest?’ she said.