The alarmed menial met the Bungay Marshes eye, and apparently thought he had better not, for he ascended the steps with some rapidity, and vanished into the interior of the palace in the twinkling of an eye.
Mr. Bush lethargically moved onward into the baronial hall, in which Mrs. Verulam, Mr. Rodney, and Chloe were seated.
"Oh, Mr. Bush," cried the former, rising with a lovely blush, and coming forward to meet him, "I am so glad to see you!"
That gentleman grunted, and permitted her to take his hand.
"It is so good of you to come and leave your lovely garden, and all your sheep, and—and bees. Let me introduce you to Mr. Rodney and Mr. Van Adam. The rest of the party come this afternoon."
Mr. Bush threw a couple of nods at Mr. Rodney and Chloe. Then he abruptly exclaimed:
"What are you after, eh?"
"I beg your pardon, Mr. Bush," said Mrs. Verulam in some surprise.
"What are you after?" pursued her gracious guest, with a very sinister intonation.