The ladies and some of their more gallant escorts rushed precipitately from the room.

The servants hurried in with candles, but light was no sooner restored than the guests who still remained at table rose, as if by general consent, and left the dining-hall.

Miss Paddington and Rayel were the last to leave the table.
When they had passed out into the drawing-room her father came and took her arm, bowing coldly to my cousin.

It was evident that our presence was no longer desired in the house of the Paddingtons.

And no wonder! "Let us go," I said, proceeding to the coat room.