She brightened.
"Do you really think so? Well, perhaps after all, 'twill not be so very horrid. And—and you will like to have Jack again, won't you? Yes—I knew you would. Oh, 'twill all be quite comfortable after a little while, I make no doubt!"
His Grace of Andover arose betimes, and early sallied forth into the street. He called a chair, and drove to an address in the Strand, where lodged a certain Colonel Shepherd. Half-an-hour did he spend with the Colonel, and when he at length emerged from the house the curl of his lip betokened satisfaction. He did not at once hail a chair, but walked along in the direction of St. James's, entering the park in company with one Dare, who, seven years before, had given a certain memorable card-party.
Dare was pleasantly intrigued over Richard's latest oddity.
"Have you an idea what 'tis about, Belmanoir?" he inquired. "Has he written you to come as well?"
"I believe I did receive some communication from Carstares; yes—I remember, Andrew brought it."
"Well, what does it mean? Fortescue is bidden, and Davenant. 'Tis very curious."
"My dear Dare, I am not in Richard's confidence. We shall doubtless hear all that there is to hear at the given time. Mysteries do not interest me. But 'twill be a pleasant reunion.... Fortescue and Davenant, you say? Strange! I have heard that Evans and Milward have also received their sum—invitations. It should be most entertaining."
"'Tis prodigious curious," repeated Dare. "No one can imagine what 'tis all about!"