"Excuse me," he said, "if I mention that I am rather in a hurry." "Why are you in a hurry ?" "I have reasons for wishing to see Grace as soon as possible." "And _I_ have reasons," Lady Janet rejoined, "for wishing to speak to you about Grace before you see her; serious reasons.

Sit down." Horace started.

"Serious reasons ?" he repeated.

"You surprise me." "I shall surprise you still more before I have done." Their eyes met as Lady Janet answered in those terms.

Horace observed signs of agitation in her, which he now noticed for the first time.