"Please do not apologise. It was a question of sauve qui peut. Fortunately, I found some kind friends who took compassion on a forlorn damsel, shaking and terror-stricken." She turned to Mrs. L'Estrange. "Mr. Esmond is, of course, an old friend. But you do not know Mr. Spencer who got to me first."
Mrs. L'Estrange was quite equal to the occasion; she extended her perfectly-gloved hand with an air of effusive cordiality.
"A thousand thanks to you both. My darling Stella was fortunate in finding such protectors. We are both terrible cowards, I don't know which is the greater."
"I, without question," flashed out Miss Keane. "Otherwise I should have had the sense to scurry away like yourself. We were both frightened rabbits, but you could run to a place of safety while I stood paralysed."
Mrs. L'Estrange turned away the awkward thrust with a charming smile. "I have made up my mind to one thing," she remarked with an air of conviction. "Never, so long as the War lasts, will I dine out of my own home. This night's experience has taught me a lesson. I don't want a second one."
At this juncture, Tommy Esmond interposed. "I was going to bring my friend Spencer round to you to-night. But I suppose you feel a bit too shattered, eh? You would like to get home and rest."
"Oh dear, no!" replied the lady vivaciously. "I never alter my habits for anything or anybody. Let us all go along at once. I will go with Colonel Desmond. You and Mr. Spencer can continue your charge of Stella."
But Guy had a small duty to perform. "I think if you will excuse me, I will join you a little later. I want to go round to inquire after my uncle and cousin. He is a very old man, and I should like to know he is quite safe."
So it was arranged. The others drove off to Mrs. L'Estrange's flat, and Spencer, finding he would have some time to wait for a taxi, walked to Carlton House Terrace, where Lord South-leigh had his town house.
The footman who opened the door informed him that his lordship and Lady Nina were still in the dining-room with a small party. The earl had taken it all very calmly, and his daughter, who, unlike poor Stella Keane, was a young woman of remarkable courage, had not been disturbed at all.