“And it is now?”
“Ten.”
A moment later, “I must see my lord alone,” she said.
“Yes, I understand,” I replied, and so occupied with the matter was I that, a moment later, unconscious of what I was doing, I met with a stony stare the astonished gaze of the Brigadier, who was riding by and drew to the side of the road as if he made way for a procession. “I will try to arrange it,” I continued with dry lips. “I have seen Lord Rawdon this morning. It was useless.” Then, “You mustn’t hope,” I muttered. “Don’t!”
She did not answer.
Outside Headquarters officers were loitering in a greater number than usual, drawn thither by the news of Wemyss’s defeat. I suppose that Paton had passed the word to them, as he went by, for those who were seated rose as we passed between them. Paton himself stood inside the door, talking urgently to Haldane whom he had taken by the button, and who reflected to perfection his face of dismay.
“This lady is Captain Wilmer’s daughter,” I said, as we came up to them. “She desires to see Lord Rawdon.”
Haldane seemed to have a difficulty in speaking. When he did, “His lordship will see her,” he said, looking not at her but at me. “He considers it to be his duty to do so, if the lady desires it. But I am ordered to say that she must draw no hope from the fact, Major Craven. I am instructed to impress upon her that an interview can do no good. If after that she still desires to see his lordship—”
Constantia bowed her head.
“You understand, Madam?” Haldane persisted. “You still desire it—in face of what I have said?”