"Lorton," replied the countess. "So stupid of me! I thought it was
Norton, and I addressed the invitation so; but Mrs. Hawksley tells me
that it is Lorton. The brother comes from Bardsley & Bardsley."
Drake nodded. He needed no confirmation of the fact of Nell's presence.
"And she's engaged to this Mr. Falconer?"
"Oh, yes," replied the countess. "There can be no doubt of it. Mrs.
Harksley says that his attentions to her last night--at the ball, I
mean--were quite touching. They walked home together arm in arm. I
really must call on her. They say she is extremely pretty."
"No need to call, I think," he said. "I mean," he went on, as the
countess looked surprised, "that--that they will be gone directly."
"Oh, but I thought he might be going to remain as resident engineer."
"No, I think not," said Drake, almost harshly. "From all I hear, he's
too young."
Lady Angleford nodded, and went into her room, where her maid was
awaiting her.
"Will you wear your diamonds, my lady?" she asked.
The countess nodded absently, and took the key of the safe from her
purse; but when the maid placed the square case which held the marvelous
jewels on the dressing table, Lady Angleford changed her mind.
"No, no," she said; "not to-night. It is only a house party. Put them
back, please."
The maid replaced the case in the safe, but she could not turn the key.
"You must be quick. I am afraid I'm late," said the countess.
"I can't turn the key, my lady," said the woman.
Lady Angleford rose and tried to turn it, but the key remained
obstinately immovable.
"Knock at the earl's door and ask him if he will be kind enough to come to
me," she said.
The maid did so, and Drake came in.
"I can't lock the safe, Drake," said the countess. "I am so sorry to
trouble you."
"It's no trouble," he responded. "Literally none," he added, with a
short laugh. "You hadn't quite closed the door. See?"
"We were stupid. How like a woman!" she said penitently.
"Take care of the key," he said. "The diamonds had better be sent to the
bank the day after to-morrow, unless you want to wear them again soon."
"No," she said. "They make such a fuss about them; and--well, they are
rather too much of a blaze for such a little woman as I am."