“What have you done with the letter?” she asked.
“I left it on Miss Roseberry’s table, my lady.”
“Very well. Keep within hearing of the bell, in case I want you again.”
Another minute brought Lady Janet’s suspense to an end. She heard the welcome sound of a knock at her door from a man’s hand. Horace hurriedly entered the room.
“What is it you want with me, Lady Janet?” he inquired, not very graciously.
“Sit down, Horace, and you shall hear.”
Horace did not accept the invitation. “Excuse me,” he said, “if I mention that I am rather in a hurry.”
“Why are you in a hurry?”
“I have reasons for wishing to see Grace as soon as possible.”
“And I have reasons,” Lady Janet rejoined, “for wishing to speak to you about Grace before you see her; serious reasons. Sit down.”