"Ah, Beatrix, well met," he said, offering his arm and nodding carelessly to De Lacy. "Her Grace desires you."
"Did she send you for me?" the Countess asked, ignoring his arm and hurrying on—and De Lacy noting it, kept beside her.
Lord Darby forced a smile. "Not exactly; I volunteered to go for you."
"You are very kind," she said rather tartly; "a moment longer and you would have been saved the trouble."
Darby's smile failed completely and he made no answer.
In the doorway the Countess halted—and gave De Lacy her hand.
"I thank you for the walk," she said, as he bowed over it; then a merry gleam came in her eyes—"Good night, Sir … Aymer."