3 P.M.--I have opened this letter to tell you that
Mr. Chichester and Ronald called here and stayed an hour.
Ronald was full of his woes, as usual, so I left him to
Cleone, and kept Mr. Chichester dancing attendance on
me. And, oh dear me! to see the white rage of the
man! It was deliciously thrilling, and I shivered most
delightfully.
"You sent for me, sir?" said Peterby, as Barnabas re-folded the
letter.
"Yes, John. Are you sure there is no other letter this morning
from--from Hawkhurst?"
"Quite, sir."
"Yet the Duchess tells me that the Lady Cleone wrote me also. This
letter came by the post this morning?"
"Yes, sir."
"And no other? It's very strange!"
But here, the Gentleman-in-Powder re-appeared to say that the
Marquis of Jerningham desired to see Mr. Beverley on a matter of
importance, and that nobleman presenting himself, Peterby withdrew.
"Excuse this intrusion, my dear Beverley," said the Marquis as the
door closed, "doocid early I know, but the--ah--the matter is
pressing. First, though, how's Devenham, you saw him last night as
usual, I suppose?"
"Yes," answered Barnabas, shaking hands, "he ought to be up and
about again in a day or two.
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