"Sir Timothy may change his mind," the latter observed. "I have
news for him directly he arrives."
On the other side of the wall they heard the whinnying of the old
mare, the sound of galloping feet from all directions.
"Here he comes!" Lady Cynthia exclaimed. "I shall go and meet
him."
Francis laid his hand upon her arm.
"Let me have a word with him first," he begged.
She hesitated.
"You are not going to say anything--that will make him want to go
away?"
"I am going to tell him something which I think will keep him at
home."
Sir Timothy came through the postern-gate, a moment or two later.
He waved his hat and crossed the lawn in their direction.
Francis went alone to meet him and, as he drew near, was
conscious of a little shock. His host, although he held himself
bravely, seemed to have aged in the night.
"I want one word with you, sir, in your study, please," Francis
said.
Sir Timothy shrugged his shoulders and led the way. He turned to
wave his hand once more to Margaret and Lady Cynthia, however,
and he looked with approval at the luncheon-table which a couple
of servants were laying under the cedar tree.
"Wonderful thing, these alfresco meals," he declared. "I hope
Hedges won't forget the maraschino with the melons. Come into my
den, Ledsam.
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