CHAPTER V
Francis Rendel came into the room with his usual air of ceremony, amounting almost to stiffness. Then, as he realised that his hostess was alone, his face lighted up and he came eagerly towards her.
"This is a piece of good fortune, to find you alone," he said. "I was afraid I should find you surrounded."
"It is early yet," Lady Gore said, with a smile.
"I know, yes," Rendel said. "I must apologise for coming at this time, but I wanted very much to see you——" He paused.
"I am delighted to see you at any time," Lady Gore said.
"It is so good of you," he answered, in the tone of one who is thinking of the next thing he is going to say. There was a silence.
"I hope you enjoyed yourself at Maidenhead?" said Lady Gore.
"Very, very much," Rendel answered with an air of penetrated conviction. There was another pause. Then he suddenly said, "Lady Gore——" and stopped.