"The days are getting quite long," she said, as I helped her to alight.
Then, glancing up at a clock in the hall, she happened to notice the time.
"Is that clock right?" she asked.
"It is," I answered.
"Then my coachman must have mistaken the distance," she said. "He assured me that it would take an hour to drive here. But I shall not have occasion to regret the mistake if you will let me see the house," she added gracefully. "It seems to be a charming old place."
It would have been a little awkward for both of us but for this happy suggestion; there were, however, points of interest enough about the house to fill up a longer interval even.
"But I am forgetting!" she exclaimed, as I led her to the library. "I received this note from Colonel Colquhoun at the last moment. He is detained in barracks to-day, most unfortunately, and will not be able to get away until late. He begs me to make you his apologies."
"I hope we shall see him during the evening," I said.
"Oh, yes," she answered, "he is sure to come for me."
There was a portrait of Lady Adeline in the library, and she noticed it at once.
"Do you know the Hamilton-Wellses?" she asked, brightening out of her former manner instantly.
"We are very old friends," I answered. "Their place is next to mine, you know."