’Very.  Lord Rotherwood will be a popular man; but my congratulations refer to something nearer home.  I think you owe us some thanks for having brought them into the neighbourhood.’

‘Report is very kind in making arrangements,’ said Lily, with something of Emily’s haughty courtesy.

‘I hope this is something more than report,’ said her partner.

’Indeed, I believe not.  I think I may safely say that it is at present quite unfounded,’ said Lily,

Mr. Carrington, much surprised, said no more.

Lily did not believe the report sufficiently to be annoyed by it during the excitement and pleasure of the evening, and at present her principal vexation was caused by the rapid diminution of the company.  She and her brother were the very last to depart, even Florence had gone to bed, and Lady Rotherwood, looking exceedingly tired, kissed Lily at the foot of the stairs, pitied her for going home in an open carriage, and wished her good-night in a very weary tone.

’I should think you were the fiftieth lady I have handed across the hall,’ said Lord Rotherwood, as he gave Lily his arm.

‘But where were the fireworks, Rotherwood?’

’Countermanded long ago.  We have had enough of them.  Well, I am sorry it is over.’

‘I am very glad it is so well over,’ said Claude.

‘Thanks to your exertions, Claude,’ said the Marquis.  ’You acted like a hero.’

‘Like a dancing dervish you mean,’ said Claude.  ’It will suffice for my whole life.’

‘I hope you are not quite exhausted.’

‘No, thank you.  I have turned over a new leaf.’

‘Talking of new leaves,’ said the Marquis, ’I always had a presentiment that Emily’s government would come to a crisis to-day.’

‘Do you think it has?’ said Claude.

’Trust my word, you will hear great news to-morrow.  And that reminds me—­can you come here to-morrow morning?  Travers is going—­I drive him to meet the coach at the town, and you were talking of wanting to see the new windows in the cathedral:  it will be a good opportunity.  And dine here afterwards to talk over the adventures.’

’Thank you—­that last I cannot do.  The Baron was saying it would be the first time of having us all together.’

’Very well, besides the great news.  I wish I was going back with you; it is a tame conclusion, only to go to bed.  If I was but to be on the scene of action to-morrow.  Tell the Baron that—­no, use your influence to get me invited to dinner on Saturday—­I really want to speak to him.’

‘Very well,’ said Claude, ‘I’ll do my best.  Good-night.’

‘Good-night,’ said the Marquis.  ’You have both done wonders.  Still, I wish it was to come over again.’

‘Few people would say so,’ said Lily, as they drove off.

‘Few would say so if they thought so,’ said Claude.  ’I have been quite admiring the way Rotherwood has gone on—­enjoying the fun as if he was nobody—­just as Reginald might, making other people happy, and making no secret of his satisfaction in it all.’