Mr Farrell kept to his determination to see none of his visitors until
he was able to come downstairs, but he sent a message by James, to the
effect that he would be annoyed if his indisposition were allowed to
interfere in any way with social engagements. Therefore, dinner-parties
being the order of the day, the four young people feasted abroad every
evening, and spent the afternoons at various tennis and croquet parties
instituted in their honour.
The rush of gaiety was in full swing, and the list of invitations which
ought to be accepted stretched so far ahead that it seemed as if there
would be little time left in which to entertain in return. In earlier
days the girls had delighted to discuss gorgeous and bizarre ideas,
smacking more of the Arabian Nights than of an English country house, by
the execution of which they hoped to electrify the county and prove
their own skill as hostesses; but of late these schemes had been
unmentioned. Ruth was too much crushed by her disappointment to have
spirit for frivolities, and the shadow of the universal depression at
home, as well as at the Court, cast its shadow over Mollie also.
In a half-hearted way both girls were glad of the engagements which
prevented _tete-a-tetes_, which had grown difficult and embarrassing,
yet with the unreasonableness of her sex Ruth felt doubly hurt to
realise that Victor shared in her relief. She had expected to have
difficulty in avoiding him, and to hear reproaches for her coldness, but
neither expectation was fulfilled.
"I suppose he thinks that he has made things safe with me by that last
conversation, and can afford to take a little holiday and enjoy himself.
He does not want to compromise himself too far!" Ruth told herself,
with a touch of bitterness which had developed during the last few days.
She knew that Victor's long absences in the morning were spent in trying
to waylay Lady Margot in her walks and drives, and had the best
authority for knowing him to have been successful more than once, for
Margot had been present at one of the dinner-parties and had seized an
opportunity to have a quiet word.
"I have met Mr Druce twice this week. I could have avoided him by
staying in the grounds, but I do not wish to rouse his suspicions. He
won't risk anything definite until matters are decided between you and
Mr Farrell, and then he shall learn his lesson. From which of us he
learns it, it does not matter. In the meantime, I shall make no change,
and he can come and go as he sees fit."
"You must be very--very sure of yourself!" said Ruth wistfully; at which
Margot reared her little head with a haughty gesture.
"Absolutely sure! If he had dared to ask me six months ago, I might
have given up everything to be the wife of the imaginary Victor, but now
I will not alter the slightest plan out of consideration for the real
Mr Druce. I can trust myself; but,"--she turned a grave, direct gaze
on the other's face--"can _you_ trust me, Ruth? I don't concern myself
about appearances, so it is possible you may hear rumours which may not
seem in keeping with our agreement. Can you trust me enough to believe
that, however strange things may seem, I am really considering your
interests even more than my own?"
"I think I can--oh yes, I am sure I can!" replied Ruth hesitatingly.
But even as she spoke a doubt crept up in her mind. If Victor did,
indeed, become the owner of the Court, and remained persistent in his
wooing, could Margot withstand him? She had loved him once. Would not
the old feeling revive, and prove too strong for argument? It was
Ruth's nature to distract herself with doubts and fears, and the little
conversation did not help to raise her spirits.
On the fifth morning after Mr Farrell's seizure he came downstairs to
his study, and was reported by the doctor to be in fairly good health.
He did not appear at luncheon, however, and there was something darkly
mysterious about James's manner when he came into the dining-room when
the meal was nearly over to announce that his master wished to see the
young ladies, with Mr Druce and Mr Melland, in the library at five
o'clock.
"And me--surely he wishes to see me also!" Mrs Wolff cried, in an
injured tone.