James, covered with dust, and
panting like a racer, with Miss Dacre's shawl.
CHAPTER XI.
_Grim Preparations_
SO MUCH time was occupied by this adventure of the shawl, and by making
requisite explanations to Mrs. Dallington Vere, that almost the whole of
the guests had retired, when the Duke found himself again in the saloon.
His brother-hosts, too, were off with various parties, to which they had
attached themselves. He found the Fitz-pompeys and a few still lingering
for their carriages, and Arundel Dacre and his fair admirer. His Grace
had promised to return with Lady Afy, and was devising some scheme
by which he might free himself from this, now not very suitable,
engagement, when she claimed his arm. She was leaning on it, and talking
to Lady Fitz-pompey, when Sir Lucius approached, and, with his usual
tone, put a note into the Duke's hand, saying at the same time, 'This
appears to belong to you. I shall go to town with Piggott;' and then he
walked away.
With the wife leaning on his arm, the young Duke had the pleasure of
reading the following lines, written with the pencil of the husband:--
'After what has just occurred, only one more meeting can take place
between us, and the sooner that takes place the better for all parties.
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