“How late you are!” cried Frank.
“No, sir; please, it’s you who are so early. We didn’t go to bed till past one.”
“Is Lady Gowan up yet?”
“Lor’ bless you, sir, no! Why—oh, I beg your pardon, I’m sure, sir. I didn’t know you at first; it’s her ladyship’s son, isn’t it?”
“Yes, of course. I want to see her directly.”
“But you can’t, sir. She won’t be down this two hours.”
“Go and tell my mother I am here, and that I want to see her on important business.”
“Very well, sir; but I know I shall get into trouble for disturbing her,” said the maid ill-humouredly. “She was with the Princess till ever so late.”
The girl went upstairs, leaving Frank waiting in the narrow passage of the place, and at the end of a few minutes she returned.
“Her ladyship says, sir, you are to come into her little boudoir and wait; she’ll dress, and come down in a few minutes.”