“No, but that don’t signify! It is too bad! He says we must go home tomorrow, and I might bid you farewell on our way through Bath! The shabbiest thing, for I know how it would be, with the chaise waiting, and Pa in one of his fusses to be off! And I have so much to tell you, sir!”
“Yes, Tom, but indeed I cannot stay to hear it now!”
“Oh, no! But you asked me why I was in Bath, you know. I have rid in, and your groom said I might take the roan cob, and you would not mind!”
“No, but—”
“And I thought I had better come to Bath today, perhaps, because, as it chances, I shot a sheep,” explained Tom airily. “I did not do it on purpose, sir, and I daresay it is not much hurt, and I expect it is your sheep and I know you will not be angry for a thing like that, but Lord Lionel might not be quite pleased, perhaps, if he hears of it. So I thought I would come to see you, sir.”
“Yes, Tom, but—”
“I thought you would tell Lord Lionel that you do not care for the sheep,” suggested Tom tentatively.
“Do you wish me to give you a note informing Lord Lionel that you have my permission to shoot sheep?” asked the Duke, unable to help laughing. “Much good would it do you! Now, Tom, be a good boy, and go back to Cheyney!”
“But I haven’t told you what has happened!” Tom protested. “I know you will like to hear it, sir, and I only did it at least; for the most part—because I thought you would be pleased! Because you were vexed when Belinda went away with that old gentleman in Hitchin, and you were for ever saying she must not talk to strange men!”
“Belinda?” the Duke said sharply. “What’s this, Tom? Have you seen Belinda today? Tell me at once, if you please!”