“Well, w-what is it?” demanded Horatia. “You found L-Lethbridge?”
“Not Lethbridge, ma’am, Rule!” said Sir Roland, and flicking his handkerchief from his sleeve, dabbed at his heated brow.
“Rule?” exclaimed Horatia in accents of the profoundest dismay.
“No less, ma’am. Very awkward situation.”
“You—you d-didn’t hold Rule up?” she gasped.
Sir Roland nodded. “Very, very awkward,” he said.
“Did he re-recognize you?”
“Deeply regret, ma’am—recognized Pel’s mare.”
Horatia wrung her hands. “Oh, was ever anything so unlucky? What d-did he say? What d-did he think? What in the world b-brings him home so soon?”
“Beg you won’t distress yourself, ma’am. Pel carried it off. Presence of mind, you know—mighty clever fellow, Pel!”