For a few minutes he waited in the hall until a glad cry was heard, and Lady Ethel ran towards him with outstretched arms.
“How glad I am to see you, Geoffrey,” she cried, and gave him an affectionate embrace.
“Where is Mildred?” he asked quietly.
“With her husband. Come along to them,” she said, and slipping her arm through his, drew him along.
Gaunt and his wife were sitting close together, and it was evident to Lord Lynton that they were on the best of terms. Lady Mildred’s expression was that of a perfectly happy woman, and he thought how greatly she had improved. Her greeting was a quiet one, and then Gaunt came towards him with outstretched hand.
“Run away, girls; I want to have a business talk with Gaunt, and afterwards I shall be at your service,” Lord Lynton said hurriedly, as he just touched his brother-in-law’s hand.
“My husband has no secrets from me—isn’t that so?” Lady Mildred said quietly, turning to Gaunt with a smile.
“Do you wish her to remain?” the Earl asked coldly.
“It is as my wife wishes,” Gaunt answered, and frankly met his brother-in-law’s rather hostile look.
“You had better go, Ethel. I don’t suppose we shall be very long.”