Lessingham rose deliberately to his feet.

In his heart he welcomed the interruption.
This might, perhaps, be the decisive moment.

Sir Henry was strolling towards them.

His manner and his tone, however, were alike good-natured.
"I was to order you into the billiard room, Mr.Lessingham," he announced.

"Sinclair has been sent for--a night route march, or some such horror--and they want you to make a four." Lessingham hesitated.