Lady Claudia's eyes followed me as I shut the door again and
crossed the room to a second door which led into my bed-chamber.
She suddenly stepped up to me, just as I was entering the room,
and laid her hand on my arm.

"What do I see in your face?" she asked as much of herself as of
me--with her eyes fixed in keen inquiry on mine.

"You shall know directly," I answered. "Let me get my bonnet and
cloak first."

"Do you mean to leave the house?"

"I do."

She rang the bell. I quietly dressed myself, to go out.

The servant answered the bell, as I returned to the sitting-room.

"Tell your master I wish to see him instantly," said Lady
Claudia.

"My master has gone out, my lady."

"To his club?"

"I believe so, my lady."

"I will send you with a letter to him. Come back when I ring
again." She turned to me as the man withdrew. "Do you refuse to