He hurried back to the hotel.
Fortunately, his chop was not put on the grill till he returned, and it was served to him piping hot, with tomatoes and a bottle of Burton.
Rather to his amazement, he enjoyed it thoroughly, but when he had finished it he had still more than an hour to wait.
He drove across country to another station, and arrived home early in the afternoon.

During the return journey his mind was quite calm and unperturbed.

He had had the guidance he needed, and now he had only to let things be--as though it were in his character to let things be! He dreaded meeting Nelly's eyes and welcomed the Dowager's presence with effusion.

He suggested to the lady that she should dine, and afterwards they would visit a theatre--_A Soldier's Love_ at the Adelphi was well worth seeing, he believed.

Lady Drummond accepted, flattered by this unwonted friendliness.