"Mrs. Lawrence is at dinner, Miss Lord," he reminded Lydia, gravely.
"Yes, I know, but this is rather--important, Hughes," said Lydia, clearing her throat nervously.
"You had better see her at the usual time to-morrow," suggested the butler, smoothly. Susan's face burned. She longed to snatch one of the iron Japanese swords that decorated the hall, and with it prove to Hughes that his insolence was appreciated. But more reasonable tactics must prevail.
"Will you say that I am here, Hughes?" Miss Lord asked quietly.
"Presently," he answered, impassively.
Susan followed him for a few steps across the hall, spoke to him in a low tone.
"Too bad to ask you to interrupt her, Mr. Hughes," said she, in her friendly little way, "but you know Miss Lord's sister has been having one of her bad times, and of course you understand--?" The blue eyes and the pitiful little smile conquered. Hughes became human.
"Certainly, Miss," he said hoarsely, "but Madam is going to the theater to-night, and it's no time to see her."
"I know," Susan interposed, sympathetically.
"However, ye may depend upon my taking the best moment," Hughes said, before disappearing, and when he came back a few moments later, he was almost gracious.