where the truth had been unconsciously hit off. Cecil was nowhere
to be seen.




CHAPTER XVIII
Demonstrations


Nursing her wrath to keep it warm.--BURNS

The hours of the soiree had been early; but the breakfast was so
irregular and undecided as to time, that no one took much notice of
an intimation which Jenkins had received from the grim Mrs.
Grindstone that Mrs, Charnock Poynsett would take breakfast in her
own room. Indeed, they all felt glad that her views of etiquette
did not bind them to their places; for Frank was burning to be off
to Sirenwood, forgetting that it was far easier to be too early than
too late for Sir Harry Vivian, who was wont to smoke till long after
midnight, and was never visible till the midday repast.

And thus it was Lady Tyrrell who came to Frank alone. "Early
afoot," she said; "you foolish, impatient fellow! You _will_ outrun
my best advice."

"Ah! but I'm armed. I always told you we might trust to my mother,
and it is all right. She loves Lenore with all her heart, and
consents freely and gladly."