Just then the gate was opened and Prince Aglipogue, still frowning, followed them reluctantly through it, in front of George and the two porters, who were helping him carry travelling bags.
When they were all comfortably disposed in their seats Ruth began to fear that it would be rather an unpleasant journey, for Prince Aglipogue, unhappy himself, was determined that the others should be, too, if he could make them so.
Only the amused light in Terry’s eyes gave her courage. Prince Aglipogue began with a monologue about rotten trains, stupid country houses, beastly cold and the improbability of Gloria’s coming at all, and finally worked himself up into a state of agitation bordering on tears, which would have made Ruth laugh had she not been afraid.
“It is unkind of her to leave us this way. For herself she sleeps comfortably at home, while I rise at this unchristian hour for her sake,” he protested, more to himself than to the others, for he seemed determined to ignore them. His next phase was one of annoyance at his own discomfort.
Why had not the Peyton-Russells themselves provided a drawing-room for him? They were “filthy” with money, and he was not accustomed to travelling in this public manner in spite of the fact that he was only a poor artist. Then he became worried about his luggage, which had consisted of a single dressing-case. He had entrusted it to George, and who knew what had become of it? He lurched off in search of George some place in the rear cars to find out.
“I’d buy him a drawing-room just to get rid of him, if there was any graceful way of doing it,” said Terry. “I’m afraid this is not going to be the pleasantest of parties.”
“For more reasons than one,” said Ruth. “I discovered yesterday that Professor Pendragon is already a guest of the Peyton-Russells. What will happen when Gloria arrives and they meet? Ought I to tell him, do you think, that she’s coming?” She had been thinking of nothing else since her talk with Nels and was delighted to have an opportunity to tell some one.
“This is going to be fun! How do you know, and why do you suppose Angela Peyton-Russell is doing it—some idea of bringing them together again?”
“I don’t see any fun in it with that beast Aglipogue along. And Angela didn’t know—at least, I’m quite sure she didn’t, and doesn’t. Professor Pendragon is a friend of Mr. Peyton-Russell and had never met his wife, and I don’t think Angela was going to the house many days before her guests. Mr. Peyton-Russell asked Professor Pendragon there because they’re old friends and Pendragon was ill. He thought the air and quiet would be good for him. He took a nurse along. I only learned yesterday from Nels Zord. Unless Angela has mentioned the names of all her guests, it’s possible that Professor Pendragon doesn’t know she’s coming. It’s going to be awfully awkward—meeting that way. I suppose one of them will return to New York. Perhaps he would if we warned him. Do you think I ought?”
“You didn’t warn Gloria, and you had time for that; I don’t see why you should warn her ex-husband. Besides, it isn’t such an awful thing. Ex-husbands and wives meet every day in New York and don’t seem to mind.”