He had missed his daughter, and with his
usual good sense was taking all the world into his confidence. Lord
Crosland and Sir Tancred stood on one side; and it is to be feared that
Sir Tancred was enjoying exceedingly the distress of his enemy.
"Leave the bag to me! I'll give it to you to-morrow," whispered Tinker
as the horses stopped. "Say we've been for a drive. I shan't split!"
As Claire stepped out of the carriage, her father rushed up to her,
crying, "What does this mean? Where have you been? What have you been
doing?"
"Oh," said Claire coolly, raising her voice that all the curious group
might hear, "I've been for a drive with Cousin Hildebrand. I couldn't
find you to tell you I was going." And taking out her purse, she
stepped forward to pay the coachman.
Tinker, keeping the bag as low as he could, slipped through the group.
Lord Crosland hurried after him, and caught him by the shoulder.
"Where have you really been?" he said. "What happened? Where's
Courtnay?"
"I've been for a drive with my cousin," said Tinker, looking up at him
with eyes of a limpid frankness.
"Ah, let's see what you've got in that bag."
"Can't. It's locked," said Tinker shortly.
"Well, never mind.
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