champagne, port and whisky mixed, and all his family seemed to have
pains in their tempers. Having ascertained that they were going to the
church in the park, I departed to one two miles away and thence walked
straight on to the Scroopes' where I had a very pleasant time,
remaining till five in the afternoon. I returned to tea at the Castle
where I found Lady Ragnall so cross that I went to church again, to
the six o'clock service this time, only getting back in time to dress
for dinner. Here I was paid out for I had to take in Mrs. Atterby-
Smith. Oh! what a meal was that. We sat for the most part in solemn
silence broken only by requests to pass the salt. I observed with
satisfaction, however, that things were growing lively at the other
end of the table where A.-Smith /pere/ was drinking a good deal too
much wine. At last I heard him say,

"We had hoped to spend a few days with you, my dear Luna. But as you
tell us that your engagements make this impossible"--and he paused to
drink some port, whereon Lady Ragnall remarked inconsequently,

"I assure you the ten o'clock train is far the best and I have ordered
the carriage at half-past nine, which is not very early."

"As your engagements make this impossible," he repeated, "we would ask
for the opportunity of a little family conclave with you to-night."

Here all of them turned and glowered at me.

"Certainly," said Lady Ragnall, "'the sooner 'tis over the sooner to
sleep.' Mr. Quatermain, I am sure, will excuse us, will you not? I
have had the museum lit up for you, Mr. Quatermain. You may find some
Egyptian things there that will interest you."