CHAPTER XVII
Faversham's Resolution
It seemed to Dick that nothing could have happened more unfortunately. Painfully aware as he was that Anthony Riggleton was standing by his side, and devouring every detail of the girl's appearance, he felt ashamed that she should see him. He wanted to run away, longed to disown all knowledge of the vulgar creature who accompanied him.
"No, I've not forgotten, Lady Blanche," he managed to say.
"And we may expect you?" There was eagerness in her voice, expectancy in the gladness of her bright eyes.
"I—I'm afraid not," he stammered.
The girl flashed a quick look upon him—a look partly of questioning, partly of disappointment. "Really, Mr. Faversham——" she protested, and then stopped. Perhaps she felt that something untoward had taken place.
"You see," he went on confusedly, "while I'd just love to come, things have happened since I saw you. I did not know——" and almost unconsciously he glanced towards Riggleton.