Collingwood picked up the paper, opened it, and eagerly scanned the report of the day's proceedings. Then he flung it down with an oath just as a footman entered the room. "Lord Ellerdine wishes to speak to you, sir," said the footman.
"Is he here?" Collingwood replied.
"Yes, sir."
"Show him up at once."
In a moment or two more Lord Ellerdine, looking flurried and hot, entered the drawing-room.
His hat was in his hand, and he was wearing a light grey overcoat.
"My dear Dicky," Collingwood said, "what on earth brings you here?"
Collingwood had risen and strolled over to the big settee of blue linen. He sat down upon it calmly.
"I wanted to ask you something," Lord Ellerdine said in a rather unsteady voice; "so I went round to your solicitors' office, and they told me that I should find you here."
"Well, what is it?" Collingwood asked imperturbably.