Page:Guy Boothby--A Bid for Fortune.djvu/308

298 "The sham marquis, I'm sorry to say," put in the real one.

"Unfortunately for me also," continued Phyllis.

"As it was a square, we sat it out in the ante-room off the drawing-room. While we were there the young gentleman, I must tell you, did me the honour of proposing to me. It was terribly embarrassing, but I allowed him to see as unmistakably as possible that I could give him no encouragement, and, as the introduction to the next waltz started, we parted the best of friends. About half an hour later, just as I was going to dance the lancers, Mrs. Mayford came towards me and drew me into the drawing-room. Mr. Baxter, his Lordship's tutor, was with her and both looked supernaturally grave.

"'What is the matter?' I asked, being alarmed by her face.

"'My dear,' said she, 'you must be brave. I have come to tell you that your father has been taken seriously ill and has sent for you.'

"'Papa ill?' I cried. 'Oh, I must go home to him at once!'

"'I have facilitated that,' said Mr. Baxter, 'by ordering the servants to call up your carriage, which is now waiting for you at the door. If you will allow me I will conduct you to it.'

"I apologised to my partner for leaving him and then went to the cloak-room. As soon as I was ready I accompanied Mr. Baxter to the door, where the brougham was waiting. Without looking at the coachman, I got in, at the same time thanking Mr. Baxter for his kindness. He shut the door and cried 'Home!' to the coachman. Next moment we were spinning down the drive.