"No, mother, he won't; at least, not with you. Now, do go the theatre and be happy. Take Annie and Nora, and let them enjoy themselves. I promise you that you shall have serene skies on your return. Can't you trust me? Did you ever find me fail you yet when I promised you anything?"
"No, I never did, you queer, queer creature."
Mrs. Bernard Temple was restored to good humour. Dinner passed off pleasantly, and immediately afterwards a cab conveyed three of the party to the Lyceum.
Antonia had donned her rusty brown velveteen dress, and sat with her hands folded in front of her in a deep armchair.
Her black hair was combed high over her forehead; her eyes were bright. Anxiety had brought a slight colour into her cheeks; she looked almost handsome.
At about twenty minutes past nine a cab was heard to stop at the door, and a moment later Sir John Thornton was ushered into the drawing-room.
"How do you do?" he said, in a stiff voice, to Antonia. "Where is your mother? Her telegram has startled me a good deal."
"It was my telegram," said Antonia, in a calm voice.
"Well, that does not matter. Will you have the goodness to inform your mother that I am here?"
"I can't very well at the present moment, for she is enjoying herself at the Lyceum."