“As you like!” said Glen shortly; and before the boy could quite realise the position the door swung back heavily and his visitor was gone.
“Well,” said Dick thoughtfully, “I could go through a good deal for Marie’s sake, and would give a good deal to see her now, but face those two old Gorgons? No, not this time; I’d rather take a header into the Thames any day, and I don’t believe Glen has gone, after all.”
But he had gone straight to the private apartments, rung, and sent in his card to where the Honourable Misses Dymcox were discussing preparations for the marriage, with their nieces in the room.
“Captain Glen!” exclaimed the Honourable Philippa, starting as she read the card; “so early! What can he want?”
Marie glanced at her sister, and saw that she looked flushed and excited; but as soon as Clotilde found that she was observed, she returned a fierce, defiant glance at Marie’s inquisitive eyes.
“Had—hadn’t we better say ‘Not at home’?” whispered the Honourable Isabella.
“No: it would be cowardly,” replied her sister. “Joseph, you can show up Captain Glen.”
Clotilde rose and left the room, and Marie was following, but her aunt arrested her.
“No, my dear, I would rather you would stay,” she exclaimed; and full of sympathy, but at the same time unable to control a sense of gladness at her heart, Marie resumed her seat just as Ruth entered the room.
The next moment Glen was shown in, and after the customary salutations and commonplace remarks asked for a few minutes’ conversation with the ladies alone.