"Last night, when you were out, my lady, I went downstairs to hear what they were talking of."
"My lord, you mean?" asked the Countess sharply. "Why didn't you tell me before?"
"Have a little patience, my lady. Sir Thomas was here and Mr. Steyning; they came on from the Palace about twelve o'clock; they talked of politics in my lord's study; he seemed to be suggesting a position for Sir Francis Boyle, but I couldn't hear much when they shut the door; but afterwards when the gentlemen left my lord stayed on below, and I came down again to see what he was about. I went into the library, which was in darkness, and from the open folding doors saw my lord writing; there was a letter lying by his elbow, on a lady's paper, in a lady's hand."
The Countess made a little impatient movement.
"Be quick," she said.
Honoria was in no way put out.
"I thought of Miss Boyle; my lord's manner had been of a restrained desperation, and his speaking of Sir Francis——"
"Ye have been thinking of Selina Boyle for a year past," interrupted her mistress, "and it has come to nought."
"It has come to a great deal," replied Honoria Pryse. "I saw my lord looking at this letter as if he consulted it in what he wrote—a reply, then he folded it and placed it in the top drawer of the cabinet and turned suddenly towards the library—he passed me, so close, but I slipped behind the door, then into the study, opened the drawer and got the letter."
"Got the letter!" cried the Countess.