When will you come?"
"Whenever Miss Archer will take me. We're thinking of going to
London, but we'll go and see you first. I'm determined to get some
satisfaction out of you."
"If it depends upon Miss Archer I'm afraid you won't get much. She
won't come to Lockleigh; she doesn't like the place."
"She told me it was lovely!" said Henrietta.
Lord Warburton hesitated. "She won't come, all the same. You had
better come alone," he added.
Henrietta straightened herself, and her large eyes expanded.
"Would you make that remark to an English lady?" she enquired with
soft asperity.
Lord Warburton stared. "Yes, if I liked her enough."
"You'd be careful not to like her enough. If Miss Archer won't visit
your place again it's because she doesn't want to take me. I know what
she thinks of me, and I suppose you think the same- that I oughtn't to
bring in individuals." Lord Warburton was at a loss; he had not been
made acquainted with Miss Stackpole's professional character and
failed to catch her allusion. "Miss Archer has been warning you!"
she therefore went on.
"Warning me?"
"Isn't that why she came off alone with you here- to put you on your
guard?"
"Oh dear, no," said Lord Warburton brazenly; "our talk had no such
solemn character as that.
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