"He was wistful but restrained," Lady Cynthia replied, "quite the
gentleman, in fact."
"You encourage me to hope for the best," Sir Timothy said, rising
to his feet. "You will excuse me now? I have a few final
preparations to make."
"Are we to be allowed," Margaret enquired, "to come across the
park?"
"You would not find it convenient," her father assured her. "You
had better order a car, say for ten o'clock. Don't forget to
bring your cards of invitation, and find me immediately you
arrive. I wish to direct your proceedings to some extent."
Lady Cynthia strolled across with him to the postern-gate and
stood by his side after he had opened it. Several of the
animals, grazing in different parts of the park, pricked up their
ears at the sound. An old mare came hobbling towards him; a
flea-bitten grey came trotting down the field, his head in the
air, neighing loudly.
"You waste a great deal of tenderness upon your animal friends,
dear host," she murmured.
He deliberately looked away from her.
"The reciprocation, at any rate, has its disadvantages," he
remarked, glancing a little disconsolately at the brown hairs
upon his coat-sleeve. "I shall have to find another coat before
I can receive my guests--which is a further reason," he added,
"why I must hurry.
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