He saluted her cheek and her hands. The three came towards the house together.
"And you are well and safe? And your portmantles? And where is Mr. Hardinge? And—oh, Marius—I fear it will seem so dull!" cried the Countess in a breath.
Marius Lyndwood laughed an answer.
"Indeed, I am well, and the man is following with the trunks. I left Mr. Hardinge at Dover. And, now my turn. Where is Rose?"
"He is coming to-morrow," answered both the ladies, as they passed into the hall.
"Why, he wrote to me he would be here to-night," said Marius Lyndwood.
"He could not," replied Miss Chressham hastily. "His engagements."
The young man flung off his cloak and hat with a pleasant laugh.
"Rose is the fashion—a town rake. His brother must not hope to see him. Well, I cannot care to-night——"
He turned into the dining-room, looking about him. The ladies followed, and there, in the strong fair light of the candles, the three cast eager eyes on each other.