"
Lady Janet reflected for a moment. If Horace presented himself
without any needless delay, the plain inference would he that she
had succeeded in separating him from Mercy. If his appearance was
suspiciously deferred, she decided on personally searching for
Mercy in the reception rooms on the lower floor of the house.
"What have you done with
the letter?" she asked.
"I left it on Miss Roseberry's table, my lady."
"Very well. Keep within hearing of the bell, in case I want you
again."
Another minute brought Lady Janet's suspense to an end. She heard
the welcome sound of a knock at her door from a man's hand.
Horace hurriedly entered the room.
"What is it you want with me, Lady Janet?" he inquired, not very
graciously.
"Sit down, Horace, and you shall hear."
Horace did not accept the invitation. "Excuse me," he said, "if I
mention that I am rather in a hurry."
"Why are you in a hurry?"
"I have reasons for wishing to see Grace as soon as possible."
"And _I_ have reasons," Lady Janet rejoined, "for wishing to
speak to you about Grace before you see her; serious reasons. Sit
down."
Horace started. "Serious reasons?" he repeated.
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