CHAPTER V.
“Ha!—my fears
Anticipate thy words!”
Smollett.
When Lord Trimmerstone returned from his visit to Mr. Martindale, it was with the full intention of firmly though gently insisting on preparations being forthwith made for a departure from town and a settlement in the country. When he inquired for the Countess, the domestics answered by looking at each other with manifest symptoms of confusion, as if to ask which should be the herald of evil tidings. His lordship was naturally impatient; and such a mode of meeting his inquiries was not likely to make him less so. With great impetuosity, therefore, he exclaimed,
“What is the matter? Why don’t you speak? Tell me this instant where is the Countess!”
Thus speaking, he laid hold of his own valet, who trembling in every limb replied,
“My lady is gone…”
“Gone!” exclaimed his lordship; “where, and with whom?”
“With Mr. Tippetson, my lord.”