When the door was opened she raised her veil and asked for Lord
Rufford; but as she did so she walked on through the broad passage
which led from the front door into a wide central space which they
called the billiard-room but which really was the hall of the
house. This she did as a manifesto that she did not mean to leave
the house because she might be told that he was out or could not be
seen, or that he was engaged. It was then nearly one o'clock, and
no doubt he would be there for luncheon. Of course he might be in
truth away from home, but she must do her best to judge of that by
the servant's manner. The man knew her well, and not improbably had
heard something of his master's danger. He was, however, very
respectful and told her that his lordship was out in the grounds;--
but that Lady Penwether was in the drawing-room. Then a sudden
thought struck her, and she asked the man whether he would show her
in what part of the grounds she might find Lord Rufford. Upon that
he took her to the front door and pointing across the park to a
belt of trees, showed her three or four men standing round some
piece of work. He believed, he said, that one of those men was his
lordship.
She bowed her thanks and was descending the steps on her way to
join the group, when whom should she see but Lady Penwether coming
into the house with her garden-hat and gloves.
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