"They might have suspected me." "It certainly is a disagreeable affair to happen on one's property." I said, still watching him narrowly.

And then Muriel at his side managed with her feminine ingenuity to divert the conversation into a different channel.
Next day I accompanied the party over to Glenlea, about five miles distant, and at noon at a spot previously arranged, we found the ladies awaiting us with luncheon spread under the trees.

As soon as we approached Muriel came forward quickly, handing me a telegram, saying that it had been sent over by one of my uncle's grooms at the moment they were leaving the castle.
I tore it open eagerly, and read its contents.

Then, turning to my companions, said in as quiet a voice as I could command-- "I must go up to London to-night," whereat the men, one and all, expressed hope that I should soon return.

Leithcourt's party were a friendly set, and at heart I was sorry to leave Scotland.