Ethel's lips half opened as if to call him back, then they closed again, and Precious cried in dismay:
"Oh, what have you done to Lord Chester? He is offended."
"I have broken my engagement," answered her proud sister coldly.
"Oh, you cruel girl!" cried Precious indignantly, but Ethel gave her a scathing glance.
"It is no quarrel of yours," she said icily, then to Norah: "My mother wishes you and Precious to come to her in the carriage for a short time at Mr. Conway's. Come, Hetty, I will go to my room," and she swept away like a queen.
Hetty lingered just long enough to whisper to Norah, "She's been in a tantrum all day," and followed her mistress.
"Come, Norah, let us get in the carriage and go at once to mamma," cried Precious eagerly, and as the carriage rolled along the village street they passed Lord Chester striding along very fast toward the hotel. He lifted his hat to Precious with a glance that made her pulses beat faster, remembering yesterday and last night.
A quick thought pulsed through her throbbing heart:
"Ethel has broken her engagement. She no longer loves him. He is free—free—to—love—me."