It is indeed grief and pain to myself and Captain Stilwell to tear ourselves away from such society, and you may be sure that none but the most pressing necessity could induce me to do it." Jack at once led his partner to a seat and set out on the search for Graham and the colonel of dragoons.

He was some time finding them both, and it was already past one when the three issued together from the palace where the fete was held, and hurried off, the two young officers to Peterborough's quarters, the colonel to his barracks.
The earl was already in his chamber.

He had slipped away unobserved from the ball, and had climbed the wall of the garden, to avoid being noticed passing out of the entrance.

His great wig and court uniform were thrown aside, and he was putting on the plain uniform which he used on service when his aides de camp entered.
"Get rid of that finery and gold lace," he said as they entered.

"You have to do a forty mile ride before morning.