Men talked about grouse, and of the ladies at the houses to which they were going and of the people whom they were to meet.

Lady Laura had said nothing of her own movements for the early autumn, and no invitation had come to him to go to the Earl's country house.

He had already felt that every one would depart and that he would be left,--and this had made him uncomfortable.

What was he to do with the invitation from Mr.Kennedy?
He disliked the man, and had told himself half a dozen times that he despised him.

Of course he must refuse it.