He could not but own that he had been thrown on the present
occasion,--and upon the whole, he thought that he had better give it
up. He found his way back to the house, put up his things, and got
away to Spoon Hall in time for dinner, without seeing Lady Chiltern
or any of her guests.
"What has become of Mr. Spooner?" Maule asked, as soon as he returned
to Harrington Hall.
"Nobody knows," said Lady Chiltern, "but I believe he has gone."
"Has anything happened?"
"I have heard no tidings; but, if you ask for my opinion, I think
something has happened. A certain lady seems to have been ruffled,
and a certain gentleman has disappeared. I am inclined to think that
a few unsuccessful words have been spoken." Gerard Maule saw that
there was a smile in her eye, and he was satisfied.
"My dear, what did Mr. Spooner say to you during his walk?" This
question was asked by the ill-natured old lady in the presence of
nearly all the party.
"We were talking of hunting," said Adelaide.
"And did the poor old woman get her half-sovereign?"
"No;--he forgot that.
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