His quick ear caught a sound of hoofs cantering down the avenue on the Northern front of the house.
He consulted his watch. “Ten minutes to eight. Say a quarter-past for dinner. They’re here, colonel.”
Mr. Romfrey met Nevil returning from the stables. Cecilia had disappeared.
“Had a good day?” said Mr. Romfrey.
Beauchamp replied: “I’ll tell you of it after dinner,” and passed by him.
Mr. Romfrey edged round to Colonel Halkett, conjecturing in his mind: They have not hit it; as he remarked: “Breakfast and luncheon have been omitted in this day’s fare,” which appeared to the colonel a confirmation of his worst fears, or rather the extinction of his last spark of hope.
He knocked at his daughter’s door in going upstairs to dress.
Cecilia presented herself and kissed him.
“Well?” said he.
“By-and-by, papa,” she answered. “I have a headache. Beg Mr. Romfrey to excuse me.”