He observed Julian--after a moment's serious consideration, and a moment's glance backward at the stranger in the poor black clothes--lift his head with the air of a man who had taken a sudden resolution.
"Bring me that card directly," he said to the servant.

His tone announced that he was not to be trifled with.

The man obeyed.
Without answering Lady Janet--who still peremptorily insisted on her right to act for herself--Julian took the pencil from his pocketbook and added his signature to the writing already inscribed on the card.

When he had handed it back to the servant he made his apologies to his aunt.
"Pardon me for venturing to interfere," he said "There is a serious reason for what I have done, which I will explain to you at a fitter time.

In the meanwhile I offer no further obstruction to the course which you propose taking.