Sir Rupert unlocked and opened the door for him, and then ushered him, with affected politeness, out of the house.
When he returned to the parlour, he found Lady Cecilia red with indignation.
"What means this scene, Sir Rupert," she said, "after our mutual compact?"
"My dear," answered the baronet, calmly, "you treated my little friend in a most unpleasant manner, and I thought myself justified in retaliating to a certain extent. Besides, I was compelled to give an explanation to a man who would have otherwise looked upon me as a coward for failing to demand satisfaction of him."
"But did you not consider that you have rendered me contemptible in his eyes?" demanded Lady Cecilia, bursting with spite.
"Never fear," said the baronet. "Confiding in your sweet assurances that he alone has ever possessed your love, and that he alone, save your husband, has ever been blest with the proofs of that affection, he will return ere long to your arms. Besides, am I not going to France to-night with my splendid friend Chichester?"
"This is cruel, Sir Rupert. If an accident made you acquainted with the conversation which passed between us——"
"An accident indeed!" interrupted Sir Rupert Harborough, laughing affectedly. "'Pon my honour, the entire adventure was one of the drollest that ever occurred! But let us say no more upon the subject! Adhere to the compact on your side, and insult not my friends——"
"But a prostitute in my house!" ejaculated Lady Cecilia, still loathing the idea.