“Not a second after two!” Sir Roland said. “Can’t be after two. We left Monty’s at half past one, didn’t we? Very well, then, call it two o’clock.”
“It’s more than that,” pronounced the Viscount, “and if it’s more than that, what’s bothering me is, what the devil are you doing here, Horry?”
“Pel, Pel!” besought his friend. “Remember—ladies present!”
“That’s what I say,” nodded the Viscount. “Ladies don’t walk about at two in the morning. Where are we?”
Sir Roland thought. “Half-Moon Street,” he said positively.
“Very well, then,” said the Viscount, “tell me this: what’s my sister doing in Half-Moon Street at two in the morning?”
Horatia, who had listened impatiently to this interchange, gave his wrist a shake. “Oh, don’t stand there talking, P-Pel. I couldn’t help it, indeed I couldn’t! And I’m dreadfully afraid I’ve killed Lord Lethbridge!”
“What?”
“K-killed Lord Lethbridge,” shuddered Horatia.
“Nonsense!” said the Viscount.