Lord Mountclere became greatly frightened. The spot they had reached was a green space within a girdle of hollies, and in front of them rose an ornamental cottage. This was the building which Ethelberta had visited earlier in the day: it was the Petit Trianon of Enckworth Court.
The viscount left her side and hurried forward. The door of the building was opened by a woman.
‘Have you prepared for us, as I directed?’
‘Yes, my lord; tea and coffee are both ready.’
‘Never mind that now. Lady Mountclere is ill; come and assist her indoors. Tell the other woman to bring wine and water at once.’
He returned to Ethelberta. She was better, and was sitting calmly on the bank. She rose without assistance.
‘You may retire,’ he said to the woman who had followed him, and she turned round. When Ethelberta saw the building, she drew back quickly.
‘Where is the other Lady Mountclere?’ she inquired.
‘Gone!’
‘She shall never return—never?’