"I regret that he was not in a condition to receive the utmost good from it. But he was either ill or else rendered uneasy over his business with Mr. Griffith," remarked Genevieve.
"Of course, of course!" assented Lord James, bending over to brush a speck from his knee. "Quite a pity, indeed!" He straightened and turned to Mrs. Gantry, with a forced smile. "Er—it's deuced stupid of me—agreeing to dine, y'know—deuced stupid. Must beg pardon for cutting it! I'd quite forgotten I was to meet Tom—er—and Griffith, at their offices. They may be waiting for me now."
"Why, of all things!" protested Dolores. "You don't mean to say you are going to run off, just when dinner is ready?"
"Lord Avondale has made his excuses," said her mother. "No doubt another time—"
"Very soon, I trust—very soon," assented Lord James, with a propitiatory glance at Dolores. "It's a keen disappointment, I assure you." He looked about at Genevieve. "If you ladies will be so kind—It's a most pressing matter. Er—Griffith is not in the best of health. He may have to take a trip to Florida."
"No, he won't," broke in Mr. Leslie. "Not unless he leaves some one to manage Lafayette Ashton. The young cub isn't fit to be left alone with that bridge. Isn't that what this appointment is about? Griffith may have it in mind to put Blake in charge of the bridge."
"Er—must say it wouldn't surprise me if he takes a run up there with
Griffith," said Lord James. "May go along myself."
"But you'll be back for the ball!" exclaimed Dolores.
"Right-o! Count on me for the ball. That's a fortnight off. Ample time."
"Then I promise you two waltzes. Bring back Laffie with you. He dances divinely."