"Oh, what is it, Drake?" she asked anxiously, for she knew that
something had happened.
He placed her in one of the big easy-chairs, and stood before her, the
light of happiness on his face.
"I've something to tell you, countess," he said. "I am going to be
married."
She smiled up at him.
"I am very glad, Drake. I have expected it for some time past. What a
pity it is that she should have had to go!"
"She! Who?" he exclaimed.
For the moment he had forgotten Lady Luce.
The countess stared at him.
"Who?" she said, with surprise. "Why, who else should it be but Luce?"
His brows came together, and he made an impatient movement.
"No, no!" he said. "It is Nell--I mean Miss Lorton."
She rose with amazement depicted on her countenance.
"Miss Lorton! At the lodge?"
"Yes," he said impatiently. "We were engaged nearly two years ago. There
was a--a--misunderstanding--but it is all cleared up. I want your
congratulations, countess."
She was an American, and therefore quick to seize a point.
"And you have them, Drake. That sweet, beautiful girl! I am glad!
But--but----"
"What?" he asked impatiently.
"But Luce!" she stammered. "We all thought that----"
"You are wrong," he said, almost hoarsely. "It is Miss Lorton. Go to her
at the lodge, and----"
He said no more, but went to the writing table.
Lady Angleford, all in amaze, left the room.
He took up a pen and scribbled over a sheet of note-paper, then tore it
up. He filled several other sheets, which he destroyed, but at last he
wrote a few words which satisfied him.
Then he remembered that he did not know Luce's address; and, for want of
a better, he addressed the letter, announcing his engagement to Miss
Lorton, to Lord Turfleigh's club in London; and, like a man, was
satisfied.