“Where?” demanded Lady Betty impatiently, “where is your scare-crow, you little simpleton?”
But before Alice could reply a large man emerged from the beeches and advanced toward them. He was clad in a long riding coat of dark blue with deep capes, and his high boots were splashed with mud. As he approached he lifted his wide-brimmed, beplumed hat, uncovering a head which was striking in contour. His face was of a bold and handsome type and his dark gray eyes were keen; he wore the full, long periwig of the prevailing fashion and a flowing cravat of Flemish lace.
“A likely bugbear, my girl,” whispered Lady Betty roguishly, pinching Alice’s arm, but turning an innocent face upon the stranger.
“I crave pardon,” he said, with an easy salutation, “I have lost my way; will you direct me to Northampton?”
“The town lies five miles from us, sir,” replied Lady Betty, “and the tavern of the King’s Arms is upon the high street.”
“I thank you,” he replied courteously, but with no apparent desire to depart, and gazed at Lady Clancarty with an open admiration that offended Alice, who plucked at her mistress’ sleeve.
“Will you tell me what place this is?” he added, pointing at Althorpe House.
“It belongs to our master, the Earl of Sunderland,” replied Lady Betty, affecting the pert air of a waiting-maid; “’tis a fine place, sir, with a gallery full of pictures and another full of books and books and books! Dear me, sir, a sight of ’em! Your worship should go and look at ’em; ’tis a very hospitable house, too, and strangers are made welcome.”
“Indeed,” he said, with a smile, “I would be glad to avail myself of the opportunity—at another season. And you, my pretty maids, are the keeper’s daughters?”
“Faith, yes, sir,” said Lady Clancarty, dropping a courtesy, “we’re twins.”