That evening was spent by Roger, Lady Carbury, and Henrietta, in very much gloom.
About four in the morning the house was roused by the coming of the baronet.

Failing to leave town by either of the afternoon trains, he had contrived to catch the evening mail, and had found himself deposited at some distant town from which he had posted to Carbury.
Roger came down in his dressing-gown to admit him, and Lady Carbury also left her room.

Sir Felix evidently thought that he had been a very fine fellow in going through so much trouble.

Roger held a very different opinion, and spoke little or nothing.

'Oh, Felix,' said the mother, 'you have so terrified us!' 'I can tell you I was terrified myself when I found that I had to come fifteen miles across the country with a pair of old jades who could hardly get up a trot.' 'But why didn't you come by the train you named ?' 'I couldn't get out of the city,' said the baronet with a ready lie.
'I suppose you were at the Board ?' To this Felix made no direct answer.