They went, Lucy quietly crying, and Lord Evelyn, suddenly become oddly
gentle, comforting her.

At the door he paused for a moment, looked round at Peter, hesitated,
took a step back towards him, began to say something.

"Peter...."

Then Peggy came in, followed by Hilary. Lord Evelyn shut his lips
lightly, bowed, and followed Lucy downstairs. Peggy went after them
to let them out.

Hilary flung himself into a chair.

"Well, Peter? Well?"

Peter turned round from the window, and Hilary started at his face.

"My dear boy, what on earth is the matter?"

Then Peggy came in, her eyes full of dismayed vexation, but laughter
twitching at her lips.

"Oh, my dears! What a mood they're in! Lord Evelyn looked at me to
destroy me--and Lucy crying as if she'd never stop; I tried to make her
take some sal volatile, but he wouldn't let her, but wisked her into her
carriage and shut the door in my face. Mercy, what temper!"

The last words may not have had exclusive reference to Lord Evelyn, as