"
"A pupil of Madame would naturally learn how to shuffle the cards,"
said Lady Esmondet, a trifle cynically, and, _sotto voce_, "I am too
awfully sleepy to take you in, Lady Esmondet," said Blanche, yawning.
A covered carriage with two servants, drives to the steps; the Colonel
is not inside; leaving one man to look after their maids and
belongings, they enter, and are soon on the well known road.
"I wonder my uncle did not meet us; especially as he must have
received our telegram."
"Surely he is not ill! How was he when you left the Hall, Miss
Tompkins?" inquired Lady Esmondet.
"A one, and it's too awfully funny he wasn't down. But I remember,
whenever he and Mrs. Haughton have a spat, and they had one (this time
hare and hounds), he clears out and takes to the lodge, so perhaps he
never spotted your telegram."
Lady Esmondet and Vaura, exchanging glances, fell into deep thought,
while Blanche and the small Baronet carried on a half-whispered
conversation, with a yawning accompaniment from the young woman.
CHAPTER XXXVII.
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