"You can't possibly get beyond Edinburgh to-night," said Sir Douglas, stopping in front of them and looking at his watch.
"I am afraid not," said Mona. "But I am very anxious to go straight through, if possible."
"I do not know why we should not all have gone north together," he continued, turning to his wife. "Cannot we do it still? Your maid can bring your boxes."
"My dear Douglas! Evelyn and I need no end of things before we can start on a round of visits."
He shrugged his shoulders, and threw up his eyes resignedly.
"Mona cannot possibly spend a night in a hotel alone," he said.
"You dear old uncle! You must remember I have not had you to take care of me all my life. But I am all right to-night. If I sleep in Edinburgh, it shall be with a friend."
"What friend? Who is she?"
"She is a grade or two below the rank of a duchess, but I think she will satisfy even you. Doris Colquhoun."
He smiled and nodded. On the whole, he was well satisfied to have a few days at his club, even if everybody was out of town.