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"In the society of Lady Lydiard, you cannot possibly have formed correct ideas of the English aristocracy. Observe Mr. Hardyman when he does me the honor to call to-morrow and you will see the difference." "Mr. Hardyman is your visitor, aunt not mine. I was going to ask you to let me remain upstairs in my room." Miss Pink was unaffectedly shocked.
It had been at the flower show. Isabel had heard it from Miss Pink fifty times at least, and was obliged to admit it now. "I am quite ashamed of never having called," Hardyman proceeded. "The fact is, I have so much to do. I am a bad one at paying visits. Are you on your way home? Let me follow you and make my apologies personally to Miss Pink." Moody looked at Isabel.
Having closed the drawing-room door on him, Isabel waited a little, absorbed in her own thoughts. She was now perfectly well aware of the effect which she had produced on Hardyman. Her vanity, it is not to be denied, was flattered by his admiration he was so grand and so tall, and he had such fine large eyes.
For a moment the shock of the discovery held her speechless. She recovered herself, and returned the letter. "It is true," she answered. Hardyman staggered back as if she had shot him. "True that you are guilty?" he asked. "No; I am innocent. Everybody who knows me believes in my innocence. It is true the appearances were against me. They are against me still."
I can't drop his acquaintance, on Tommie's account. The only other alternative is to keep Isabel out of his way. My good little girl shall not drift into a false position while I am living to look after her. When Mr. Hardyman calls to-morrow she shall be out on an errand. When he calls the next time she shall be upstairs with a headache.
The reasons assigned for making the strange request were next expressed in these terms: "My niece Isabel is, I am happy to inform you, engaged to be married to Mr. Hardyman.
He had just thrust the letters into his pocket, when he heard footsteps behind him, and, looking round, found himself confronted by Moody. "Hullo! have you come to lunch?" Hardyman asked, roughly.
Hardyman laid down his pen, and fixed his eyes sternly on the man who had dared to interrupt him. "What the devil do you want?" he asked. "I have seen Miss Isabel, and spoken with her," Moody replied. "Mr. Hardyman, I believe it is in your power to set this matter right. For the young lady's sake, sir, you must not leave England without doing it." Hardyman turned to his foreman.
"I am talking of our neighbor, Lady Lydiard the Honorable Mr. Hardyman." "Do you mean Alfred Hardyman the man who breeds the horses?" "The distinguished gentleman who owns the famous stud-farm," said Miss Pink, correcting the bluntly-direct form in which Lady Lydiard had put her question. "Is he in the habit of visiting here?" the old lady inquired, with a sudden appearance of anxiety.
"Don't forget to-morrow," Hardyman whispered confidentially. "I'll call early and then go to London, and get the ring." EVENTS succeeded each other rapidly, after the memorable day to Isabel of the luncheon at the farm. She did not dispute his claims to a freedom of action which would not be permitted to an ordinary servant.
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