“Oh no, in detail.”

Miss Bride contented herself with a half-absent “Indeed?” and seemed to resume her meditations.  Whereupon, May’s eyes flashed, and her head assumed its most magnificent pose.

They exchanged not another word on the drive to Rivenoak.

CHAPTER XX

May awoke very early next morning.  It was broad daylight, however, and she hastened to look at her watch.  Reassured as to the time, her next thought regarded the weather; she stepped to the window, and saw with vexation a rainy sky.  An hour later, she again lifted the blind to look forth.  No sun was shining, but rain had ceased.  She began to dress.

At a quarter to eight, equipped for walking, she quietly left her room and tripped down stairs.  A housemaid met her in the hall; she asked whether the front door was unlocked, and the servant went before to open for her.  Following a path which led to the rear of the house, she was soon out in the park; in some ten minutes she passed the old summer-house among the trees, and, with quickened pace, came to the door which led into the Wapham Road.  Before using her key, she tapped lightly on the wood; from without there sounded immediately an answering knock.  Then she opened.

“Do you know?” asked Lashmar, eagerly, as he gave his hand, forgetting the formal salute.

“Yes.  We had the news after dinner.  Mr. Breakspeare sent a message.”

“He lived for about an hour.  I came on to Hollingford late, and have passed the night at the Saracen’s Head.  It’s to be understood, of course, that I got the news in town just in time for the last train.”

Whilst exchanging rapid sentences, they stood, one within, one outside, the park wall.  May held the door as if uncertain what to do next.

“You can spare me a few minutes?” said Dyce, glancing this way and that along the public way.

“Come in.  I didn’t bring my bicycle, as it’s so wet.”

“Of course not.  You needn’t be anxious.  Nobody comes this way.”

He closed the door.  May was looking behind her into the frees and bushes, which hid them from the park The sky had begun to brighten; a breeze shook drops from the shining leafage.

“How does Lady Ogram take the news?” Lashmar inquired, trying to speak with his wonted calm, but betraying a good deal of nervousness.

“I haven’t seen her.  She was in her room when it came.”

“I shouldn’t wonder if she’s sorry.  She had set her mind on our beating Robb at the poll.  No one seems to know who will stand for the Conservatives.  I saw Breakspeare after midnight; he was in the wildest excitement.  He thinks it’s good for us.”

“Of course you’ll see Lady Ogram to-day?”

“I shall come at lunch-time.  That’ll be best, won’t it?”

May nodded.  Her eyes kept turning in the direction of the house.