“No,” said Léonie positively. “If Monseigneur finds us all gone he would think it very odd.”
“Oh well!” said Fanny. “At least I should not have to face him with a mouthful of lies, which of course he will see through. However, if you are set on going with Rupert I’d as soon stay at home.” She disappeared again, and Léonie picked up her hat, and once more tied it over her curls.
She took a chair to Half Moon Street, and was fortunate enough to find his lordship at home. Lord Rupert greeted her jovially. “I thought you were in Bedford, m’dear. Couldn’t stand it, eh? I told you so. Devilish dull is old Vane.”
“Rupert, the most dreadful thing has happened, and I want you to help me,” Léonie interrupted. “It’s Dominique.”
Lord Rupert said testily: “Oh, plague take that boy! I thought we’d got him safe out of the country.”
“We have,” Léonie assured him. “But he has taken a girl with him!”
“What sort of a girl?” demanded his lordship.
“A — a hussy! A — I do not know any word bad enough!”
“Oh, that sort, eh? Well, what of it? You ain’t turning pious, are you, Léonie?”
“Rupert, it is most serious. He meant to elope with the bourgeoise, and oh, Rupert, he has taken the wrong sister!”