He rang, and a woman-servant answered the bell.
“His lordship is out of town,” the woman said.
“At his country seat?” said Montaigne at haphazard.
“Oh dear no, sir! his lordship has taken my lady and Miss Allerton on the Continong, and they are not coming back for some time. Mr Harvey, his lordship’s agent, will send on all letters.”
“Thank you. I am very much obliged,” said Montaigne with his blandest smile; and he raised his hat and went away smiling, cursing Marie in his heart.
“‘All comes to the man who waits,’” he thought.