Many there were who wondered what had brought her, and amongst the party themselves none could answer the question.

It appeared to be one of those freaks for which, in old days, Lady Scrope had made herself famous throughout London, and the habit of which had not been overcome, although the opportunities were growing smaller with advancing years.
She insisted on accompanying the party back to Mary Harmer's cottage.

A simple collation was awaiting them before they travelled back to the city.

Lady Scrope looked with the greatest interest and curiosity at the cottage; received the inquiring advances of Fido very graciously; made the boys tell her all the history of his attaching himself to them; and finally made herself the most entertaining and agreeable guest at the board, although the sharpness of her speech and the acid favour of some of her remarks bred a little uneasiness in some of her auditors.
Nevertheless the time passed pleasantly enough; and when the hands of the clock pointed to the hour of eleven, the lady rose to her feet and remarked incisively: "My coach will be here immediately, if the varlets play me not false.

The bride, bridegroom, and the bride's father shall drive with me.