"
"I've no objection to your taking his money if you will tell me
something. How long does my lord mean to stay here? Have you any
idea?"
"They all go on by the early train to Culoz or farther. A pressing
telegram has come from their man at Amberieu."
"Ah! Indeed. Then you may say that I am also going by that early
train. They're not going to shake me off very easily. Tell them that,
and that if they want the lady they'd better look for her. She isn't
here."
I lied in a good cause, for a lady, as a gentleman is bound to do. I
shall be forgiven, I think, under the circumstances.
The free use of coin had the desired effect at the railway station.
Soon after 5 A.M. I was met at a private door and escorted,
with my precious party, by a circuitous route to where the 5.48 was
shunted, waiting the moment to run back to the departure platform.
There was a coupe ready for Lady Claire, and she took her place
quietly, observed by no one but the obsequious official who had
managed it all.
As for me, I walked boldly to the hotel and hung about the hall till
the Blackadder party appeared and had left for the station.
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