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Madame de Ventadour had a younger sister, who had lately married a son of Lord Doningdale. The marriage had been solemnized in Paris, and Monsieur and Madame de Ventadour had been in England a week on a visit to the English peer. The /rencontre/ was so sudden and unexpected that neither recovered sufficient self-possession for fluent conversation.
"It cost milord a vast sum to make these alterations," said Madame de Ventadour, glancing archly at Maltravers. "Ah, yes," said the old lord; and his face, lately elated, became overcast "nearly three hundred thousand pounds: but what then? 'Les souvenirs, madame, sont sans prix!" "Have you visited Paris since the restoration, Lord Doningdale," asked Maltravers.
"I told you we should not get safely through the day," said George Herbert. "Now we are in for it." "George, that is a vulgar expression," said Lord Doningdale, buttoning up his coat. While he spoke, a vivid flash of lightning darted across their very path, and the sky grew darker and darker.
"It is very odd that I should have such a son," said Lord Doningdale, musingly, "a son who cannot amuse himself indoors for two minutes together. I took great pains with his education, too.
The hail now came on fast and heavy, the trees groaned, the thunder roared; and in the large, dreary room there was a palpable and oppressive sense of coldness and discomfort. Valerie shivered a fire was lighted and the Frenchwoman drew near to it. "You are wet, my dear lady," said Lord Doningdale. "You should take off that close habit, and have it dried."
While Lord Doningdale entered the room, the carriage, with Herbert in it, drove to the door. In a few minutes the little party were within the vehicle. As they drove away, the hostlers were harnessing the horses to the dark green travelling-carriage.
"Has madame met with an acquaintance?" said he; "and, if so, will she permit me to partake her pleasure?" The interruption seemed a relief to Valerie; she smiled and coloured. "Let me introduce you to Mr. Maltravers. Mr. Maltravers, this is my host, Lord Doningdale."
While they spoke, the hail suddenly ceased, though clouds in the distant horizon were bearing heavily up to renew the charge. George Herbert, who was the most impatient of mortals, especially of rainy weather in a strange place, seized the occasion, and insisted on riding to Doningdale, and sending back the carriage. "Surely a groom would do as well, George," said the father.
"You reside much in the country, I am sure, my lord," said Maltravers. "Yes," replied Lord Doningdale, with a pensive air, "this place is greatly endeared to me. Here his Majesty Louis XVIII., when in England, honoured me with an annual visit.
The two gentlemen bowed, the rest of the cavalcade surrounded the trio, and Lord Doningdale, with a stately yet frank courtesy, invited Maltravers to return with the party to his house, which was about four miles distant. As may be supposed, Ernest readily accepted the invitation. The cavalcade proceeded, and Maltravers hastened to seek an explanation from Valerie. It was soon given.
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