Mrs. Calverley had quitted the boudoir rather more than half an hour, and Lady Thicknesse was alone, and lamenting the failure of her scheme, when Scrope again made his appearance.
His countenance had a singular expression, and he remained standing, while he said, in rather a stern voice:
“Don't give yourself any concern about Emmeline's imprudent engagement with Chetwynd Calverley, aunt. I have just learnt something that will enable me to put an end to it.”
“You don't say so! What is it?” exclaimed Lady Thicknesse, in surprise.
“I cannot explain now,” he rejoined. “Wait till to-morrow!”
But finding her ladyship could not repress her curiosity, and determined not to gratify it, he abruptly quitted the boudoir, leaving her in a high state of excitement.