"No; what do you want, Clara?" looking up for a moment and then returning to his papers. "I was just coming to the parlour."
"It is not I, but Emma Watson who wants you."
Mr. Howard turned round to look at his sister with an expression half pleased, half incredulous.
"Yes indeed, so you need not stare so; Miss Osborne has sent down to ask you to bring her to lunch at the Castle, and go through the picture-gallery afterwards—that is to say, she has promised to go through the gallery, but you must be sure to accompany them."
Mr. Howard bent over his papers again for a moment in silence.
"Why do not you answer, Edward? There is nothing to prevent your going, is there?—and I am sure you cannot dislike it."
"Oh, no—but Emma—what did she say to it?"
"She begged me to come and engage you as her escort, that she might avoid falling into the company of Lord Osborne, who she seemed to apprehend might be lying in wait for her. Elizabeth Watson does not care for paintings, and means to remain with me."
"It will give me the greatest pleasure," said Mr. Howard, starting up, and beginning to put away his books and papers. "Now, or at any time she will name, I am quite at her service. When does she wish to go?"
"Immediately, I should think, as they lunch at one—that is, as soon as she can get herself ready. I will go back and give her your message at once."