"Sarah is silent on the point to me: I think she scarcely knows what to believe. You see I tell you all freely, Gerard."
"Fanny," he said, dropping his voice, "how is it that I saw Lady Adela here tonight?"
"Lady Adela!" retorted Frances, who knew nothing of the escapade. "That you never did."
"But I assure you——"
"Hush, for goodness' sake. Here comes Sir Francis."
"Why, Fanny," he exclaimed to his sister-in-law as he entered, "you here!"
"Yes: look at the sight they have made of me," replied she, shaking down her dress for his benefit, as she had previously done for Gerard's. "I am waiting for some of the damsels to mend it for me: I suppose Mr. Hope's presence has scared them sway. Won't mamma be in a rage when she sees it! it is new on tonight."
She made her escape. Sir Francis's business with Gerard was soon over, when he walked with him into the hall. Who should be standing there but Colonel Hope. He started back when he saw Gerard.
"Can I believe my senses?" stuttered he. "Sir Francis Netherleigh, is he one of your guests?"
"He is here on business," was the reply. "Pass on, colonel."