"I suppose I must not ask you to stay for dinner," said Lady Desmond. "It would not be comme il faut for recluses such as Kate and myself to have so gay a guest as Lord Effingham!"
"That is as you think," he returned; "I would, however, certainly stay, even on that faint shadow of an invitation, were I not unfortunately engaged to dine with a grand-aunt of mine, just arrived at the Palace. By the way, would you like to know her? she has two daughters. Miss Vernon might find them acceptable; young ladies are, you know, gregarious."
"We shall be most happy to make your aunt's acquaintance," returned Lady Desmond.
The Earl bowed, and departed.
"I am weary, Kate—my head aches—I cannot speak to you to-day—some other time—I will go and lie down."
"As you like, dear Georgy."
CHAPTER IV.
REVELATIONS.