“Merely that he seems to have disappeared, my dear. I hope we may not hear that he is in poor health, or has been called away on important business.”
“I hope not indeed, and do not suppose there is the least likelihood of it. I cannot conceive what should have put such a notion into your head!”
He spread out his hands. “My information is that he left his house at dusk this evening, and has not been heard of since. You will admit it to be a singular business!”
“I fear any hope you may cherish of winning by Mr Ravenscar’s default will have but a short life,” Miss Grantham replied contemptuously.
He coloured angrily, but as her words were received with a good deal of ill-concealed amusement by those who heard them, he merely bowed, and moved away from her.
Lady Bellingham, feeling herself to be in danger of fainting from fright, retired to the buffet, and told the waiter there to pour her out a glass of claret. She was reviving herself with this when her nephew came up to her, and asked in an urgent undervoice: “What is this they are saying about Ravenscar?
“Don’t mention that name!” begged her ladyship, with a shudder. “The least thing will bring on my spasms!”
“But are you acquainted with him?” he demanded. “I had no idea! Will he come here tonight?”
“Ask your sister!” said Lady Bellingham helplessly. “I have borne enough, and wash my hands of it. But if we are all clapped up for this night’s work, don’t lay the blame at my door, that’s all I ask of you!”
“I do not understand you! What is the matter, my dear ma’am? What can Deb know of Ravenscar?”