She ran upstairs, fetched her hat and gloves, and joined Antonia. The two girls went into the street.
"I'm determined that no pranks shall be played with this letter," said Antonia; "so I intend not to post it, but to take it to the Carlton myself."
"Antonia, is that right?"
"Right—what can there be wrong in it? There is no one who will eat me at the Carlton. I shall simply give the letter to the hall-porter, and desire him to put it into Mr. Lorrimer's hands the moment he appears. Now, come on, if you are coming. You can stay in the street while I interview the porter."
"But the post seems safer and easier," said Annie.
"Well, I don't think so. Come, come; what are you loitering for?"
As was universally the case, Antonia's strong will prevailed.
She knew London thoroughly, and followed by the somewhat breathless Annie, in due course reached the Carlton Club.
She had run up the steps, entered the hall, interviewed the porter, delivered her letter, and once more joined Annie, when the latter said to her in a voice of suppressed excitement—
"There is Squire Lorrimer; that man with the bent head and hat pushed over his eyes. He passed the club while you were within. There he is, just turning the corner."