These words brought comfort to Ethel and Mrs. Willoughby.  They at once perceived their truth.  To force himself into their presence in a public hotel was, of course, impossible, even for one so reckless as he seemed to be; and on the road he could not trouble them in any way, since he would have to drive before them or behind them.

At Lady Dalrymple’s reference to herself, Minnie looked up with a bright smile.

“You’re awfully cross with me, aunty darling,” she said; “but I forgive you.  Only I can’t help laughing, you know, to see how frightened you all are at poor Rufus K. Gunn.  And, Kitty dearest, oh how you did run away from the window!  It was awfully funny, you know.”

Not long after the arrival of the Baron and his friends another carriage drove up.  None of the ladies were at the window, and so they did not see the easy nonchalance of Hawbury as he lounged into the house, or the stern face of Scone Dacres as he strode before him.

[Illustration:  “AS FOR DANGAIRE—­POUF!  DERE IS NONE.”]

CHAPTER XXII.

ADVICE REJECTED.

During dinner the ladies conversed freely about “that horrid man,” wondering what plan he would adopt to try to effect an entrance among them.  They were convinced that some such attempt would be made, and the servants of the inn who waited on them were strictly charged to see that no one disturbed them.  However, their dinner was not interrupted and after it was over they began to think of retiring, so as to leave at an early hour on the following morning.  Minnie had already taken her departure, and the others were thinking of following her example, when a knock came at the door.

All started.  One of the maids went to the door, and found a servant there who brought a message from the Baron Atramonte.  He wished to speak to the ladies on business of the most urgent importance.  At this confirmation of their expectations the ladies looked at one another with a smile mingled with vexation, and Lady Dalrymple at once sent word that they could not possibly see him.

But the Baron was not to be put off.  In a few moments the servant came back again, and brought another message, of a still more urgent character, in which the Baron entreated them to grant him this interview, and assured them that it was a matter of life and death.

“He’s beginning to be more and more violent,” said Lady Dalrymple.  “Well, dears,” she added, resignedly, “in my opinion it will be better to see him, and have done with him.  If we do not, I’m afraid he will pester us further.  I will see him.  You had better retire to your own apartments.”

Upon this she sent down an invitation to the Baron to come up, and the ladies retreated to their rooms.

The Baron entered, and, as usual, offered to shake hands—­an offer which, as usual, Lady Dalrymple did not accept.  He then looked earnestly all round the room, and gave a sigh.  He evidently had expected to see Minnie, and was disappointed.  Lady Dalrymple marked the glance, and the expression which followed.