“Chigwell, I am not a child, nor shall I melt for a drop or two of rain!” said the Duke.
“No, indeed, your Grace, but they say the town abounds with pickpockets, and street-robbers! I am sure his lordship would desire you to take a chair, and a linkboy!”
“I shall take neither, however.”
Chigwell and Borrowdale both looked very much upset. “But, your Grace, you will be very much more comfortable in your carriage!” protested Chigwell. “It can be brought round in a trice, and—”
“ No! ” said the Duke, with sudden and unaccustomed violence.
They fell back, and the porter, who had been standing all the time by the door thought well of opening it.
“As your Grace wishes!” said Chigwell feebly. “At what hour will your Grace be returning?”
“I have not the smallest notion,” said the Duke, drawing on his gloves.
“No, your Grace. Quite so! And your Grace would not wish to have the carriage call for you—?”
“I would not!” said the Duke, and ran down the steps into the forecourt, leaving his faithful henchmen to stare after him in great surprise, and no little perturbation.