You understand ?" It was as well to be prepared for anything, he thought, which was most fortunate, as it afterwards turned out.

He had meant to make her ask him to her sitting-room in any case, and his happiness was augmented, as they had talked in the picture gallery, when she did it of her own accord.
Lady Ethelrida stood looking out of her window, in her fresh, white-paneled, lilac-chintzed bower.

Her heart was actually thumping now.

She had not noticed the books, which were carefully placed in a pile down beside her writing table.

Would he ever get away from her father, who seemed to have taken to having endless political discussions with him?
Would he ever be able to come in time to talk for a moment, before they must both go down?
She had taken the precaution to make herself quite ready to start--short skirt, soft felt hat, thick boots and all.
Would he?
But as half-past ten chimed from the Dresden clock on the mantelpiece, there was a gentle tap at the door, and Francis Markrute came in.
He knew in an instant, experienced fowler that he was, that his bird was fluttered with expectancy, and it gave him an exquisite thrill.