Pray accept my most sincere apologies.

I have only this instant arrived; my health would not allow me to be present at the luncheon.

Permit me to express the earnest hope that matters may be set right to the satisfaction of all parties.

Good-afternoon!" He bowed with elaborate courtesy, and turned back to the cottage.
"Who is that ?" Isabel asked.
"Lady Lydiard's nephew, Mr.Felix Sweetsir," Moody answered, with a sudden sternness of tone, and a sudden coldness of manner, which surprised Isabel.
"You don't like him ?" she said.
As she spoke, Fe lix stopped to give audience to one of the grooms, who had apparently been sent with a message to him.

He turned so that his face was once more visible to Isabel.