“Anything that I can do for you, my good friend, you are more than welcome to,” she answered. She walked on with him—he led her into the largest of the drawing-rooms. Nancy followed slowly. Rowton glanced back and saw her at some little distance—she had stopped to speak to Murray, and to caress Roy, who was fast becoming her slave. “One moment,” said Rowton abruptly, turning and speaking with eagerness. “I am obliged to leave that child in less than half an hour. I am going away.” “One of the mysterious absences?” she asked. He nodded. “Will you be good to her until I come back?” he whispered. There was no time to add any more. “I will, I will,” said Lady Georgina. Nance came up to them. CHAPTER XV. LEAH. Nance could read faces very quickly. “What is the matter?” she said, looking at her husband. He hesitated for a moment. It seemed cruel to tell her before Lady Georgina; but after all it might be the best way. “I was telling this good old friend of mine,” he said, “that I am obliged to leave Rowton Heights in a few minutes. I was asking her to be good to you during my absence.” Nance had a good deal of pride, and also much latent strength of character. Had Rowton given her this information when they were alone, she would probably have cried and fallen on his neck; now she only turned very pale, drew herself up until her slender but stately height gave her new-born dignity, and said in a gentle tone: “Thank you for thinking about me. I did not know you were going away. Shall you be back to-morrow?” “Plucky darling,” said Rowton under his breath. Aloud he said: “I shall be away for a few days. I will write to you from town.” “And where are you going?” she asked in a curiously steady tone. “I will let you know from town.” “But are you going soon?” she asked again. “In five minutes, dearest.” “Then,” she answered, “I had better ring the bell to order the dog-cart round.” “If you’ll be so kind, Nance,” he replied. She went across the room and pressed the button of the electric bell, then she walked to one of the windows and stood looking out. “I admire this view very much, don’t you?” she said to Lady Georgina. “It is one of the most superb views in the county, Mrs. Rowton,” said that good lady, marching up to Nancy’s side. “I will help her out—she has stuff in her,” thought the lady. “By the way,” she said, turning abruptly to Rowton, “what do you think of that mare I chose for you?” “I was just showing her to Nancy,” said Rowton, smiling and looking relieved; “she is perfect.” “You would say so if you saw her pedigree. Now, Mrs. Rowton, I propose to call here early to-morrow morning to take you out for a ride. Without conceit I can say of myself that I am one of the most accomplished horsewomen in the county. Will you be ready for me by nine o’clock?” “So early?” asked Nance.