"I did find him at last," continued Lord Fancourt, "and gave him your message. He said that he would give orders at once for the horses to be put to.""Ah!" she said, still very absently, "you found my husband, and gave him my message?""Yes; he was in the dining-room fast asleep. I could not manage to wake him up at first.""Thank you very much," she said mechanically, trying to collect her thoughts.
"Will your ladyship honour me with the CONTREDANSE until your coach is ready?" asked Lord Fancourt.
"No, I thank you, my lord, but--and you will forgive me--Ireally am too tired, and the heat in the ball-room has become oppressive.""The conservatory is deliciously cool; let me take you there, and then get you something. You seem ailing, Lady Blakeney.""I am only very tired," she repeated wearily, as she allowed Lord Fancourt to lead her, where subdued lights and green plants lent coolness to the air. He got her a chair, into which she sank. This long interval of waiting was intolerable. Why did not Chauvelin come and tell her the result of his watch?
