nice mean between the military and the episcopal.

I had scarcely time to tell myself that this must be Mr. Horrex, before he
looked up and caught sight of me. His features underwent a sudden and
astonishing change; and almost dropping a bottle of champagne in his
flurry, he came swiftly round the end of the buffet towards me.

I knew not how to interpret his expression: surprise was in it, and
eagerness, and suppressed agitation, and an appeal for secrecy, and at the
same time (if I mistook not) a deep relief.

"I beg your pardon, sir," he began, in a sort of confidential whisper,
very quick and low, "but I was not aware you had arrived."

I gazed at him with stern inquiry.

"You are Mr. Richardson, are you not?" he asked. There could be no doubt
of his agitation.

"I am; and I have been in this, my house, for some three-quarters of an
hour."

"They never told me," he groaned. "And I left particular instructions
--But perhaps you have already seen the mistress?"

"I have not. May I ask you to take me to her--since I have not the
pleasure of her acquaintance?"

"Cert'nly, sir. Oh, at once! She is in the drawing-room putting the best
face on it. Twice she has sent in to know if you have arrived, and I sent
word, 'No, not yet,' though it cut me to the 'eart."

"She is anxious to see me?"

"Desprit, sir."

"She thinks to avoid exposure, then?" said I darkly, keeping a set face.

"She 'opes, sir: she devoutly 'opes." He groaned and led the way.
"It may, after all, be a lesson to Mr. 'Erbert," he muttered as we reached
the landing.

"I fancy it's going to be a lesson to several of you."

"The things we've 'ad to keep dark, sir--the goings-on!"

"I can well believe it."

"I was in some doubts about you, sir--begging your pardon: but in spite of
the dress, sir--which gives a larky appearance, if I may say it--and
doubtless is so meant--you reassure me, sir: you do indeed. I feel the
worst is over. We can put ourselves in your 'ands."

"You have certainly done that," said I. "As for the worst being over--"

We were within the drawing-room by this time, and he plucked me by the
sleeve in his excitement, yet deferentially. "Yonder is the mistress,
sir--in the yellow h'Empire satin--talking with the gentleman in sky-blue
rationals. Ah, she sees you!"

She did. And I read at once in her beautiful eyes that while talking with
her partner she had been watching the door for me. She came towards