“It don’t signify,” said Freddy. “Tell m’sister’s butler to say you ain’t there. Very reliable fellow, Skelton.”
“But how can I intrude upon Lady Buckhaven?” protested Olivia. “She cannot help me, and indeed I would not ask it of her!”
“No, but must leave you somewhere while I settle the thing,” explained Freddy.
She clasped both hands round his arm, crying breathlessly: “Settle it! Oh, sir, can you?”
“Told you I’d got a notion,” he reminded her. “Mind, not sure the thing will come off right, but no harm in trying!”
There were those who might have doubted Mr. Standen’s ability to bring anything off right, but Miss Broughty was not of their number. In so elegant a gentleman, and one, besides, who was engaged to her dear Miss Charing, she could not but repose the utmost confidence. She attempted no further remonstrance, but accompanied him meekly up the steps of Lady Buckhaven’s house.
Skelton, looking slightly surprised, admitted them into the house, and volunteered the information that her ladyship had just ordered her carriage.
“Never mind that!” said Freddy, handing over his hat and gloves. “Where is she?”
“I fancy, sir, that her ladyship is in her dressing-room. I will inform her that you have returned.”
“Needn’t do that. Take Miss Broughty into the Saloon! And mind this, Skelton!—if anyone comes here asking for her, she ain’t here, and you haven’t seen her!”