"You will have been to Lupton House ?" A shadow crossed his face, his glance seemed to grow clouded, all of which watchful Diana did not fail to observe.

"Not yet," said he.
"You are a laggard," she laughed at him, and he felt the blood driven back upon his heart.

What did she mean?
Was it possible she suggested that he should be welcome, that his wife's feelings towards him had undergone a change?
His last parting from her on the road near Walford had been ever in his mind.
"I have had weighty business to transact, he replied, and Trenchard snorted, his mind flying back to the council-room at the Castle, and what his friend had told him.
"But now that you have disposed of that you will sup with us," said Lady Horton, who was convinced that since Ruth had gone to the altar with him he was Ruth's lover in spite of the odd things she had heard.
Appearances with Lady Horton counted for everything, and all that glittered was gold to her.
"I would," he answered, "but that I am to sup at Mr.Newlington's with His Majesty.

My visit must wait until to-morrow." "Let us hope," said Trenchard, "that it waits no longer." He was already instructed touching the night attack on Feversham's camp on Sedgemoor, and thought it likely Wilding would accompany them.
"You are going to Mr.Newlington's ?" said Diana, and Trenchard thought she had turned singularly pale.

Her hand was over her heart, her eyes wide.