But this turn of events was not in the
calculations of Destiny for the moment, and he found no less a person
than Mr. Hanbury-Green already ensconced by his hostess's side. They
were both smoking and looked very comfortable and at ease.
"I just came in to tell you I shall be obliged to tear myself away
to-morrow," John Derringham said, "and cannot have the pleasure of
staying to the end of the week in this delightful place."
Mrs. Cricklander got up from her reclining position among the cushions.
This was a blow. She wished now she had not encouraged Mr. Hanbury-Green
to come and sit with her; it might be a lost opportunity which it would
be difficult to recapture again. But she had felt so very much annoyed
at Mr. Derringham's capriciousness, displayed the whole of the Monday,
and then at his absenting himself to-day, having gone to see the
Professor, of course--since he was out of the house at tea-time when she
had sent to his room to enquire--that she had determined to see what a
little jealousy would do for him. But if he were off on the morrow this
might not be a safe moment to try it.
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