"It is really Philip Lockhart," he laughs. "I am avant-coureur for Nella, who will descend upon you to-morrow, bag and baggage, with all the little imps. Will you pardon me, Lady Fairvale, for my impudence in entering by the open window? Your sweet music tempted me."
"The pleasure of seeing you so unexpectedly might well condone a greater offense," she answers, smiling.
Then she blushes deeply, for the beautiful, dark-blue eyes look down into her own, gravely and thoughtfully.
"Thank you," he answers; "I had grave doubts of a welcome, and you set my mind at ease. The truth is I came down with Lord Gordon to Sir William Spencer's for the hunting, and Nella desired me to call and apprise you of her meditated descent upon your fold."
She freezes over so suddenly and subtly that he is mystified.
"Pray sit down, Colonel Lockhart," with the coolest courtesy. "All this while I have kept you standing."
He accepts the offered chair and his altered position brings in range of his sight Mrs. Vance dozing blissfully in a luxurious arm-chair.
"My companion," Lady Vera explains.
The blue eyes look at her pleadingly, with a half-smile in them.