They had seen hardly any one since their arrival, consequently knew nothing of the nine days’ wonder which was agitating the minds of the Londoners. Lady Randall professed to be horrified at the course which Adrian had taken, and hoped his grandfather would disown him forever for the disgrace he had brought upon the family. She believed that he knew all the time where Miss Douglas was that evening when he had so boldly announced his betrothal, and had only told them of the engagement to soften the scandal of the act he was even then contemplating. Of course, not being cognizant of the part the Coolidges had played in the little drama, this was the only construction she would be likely to put upon the matter. Sir Charles was highly indignant at the treatment which his party had received, while at the same time he was secretly uneasy about the whole affair. He could not understand it, and the more he pondered upon it the more puzzled he grew, for he felt that there must be something underneath it all which ought to be accounted for and thoroughly sifted. Yet after Mrs. Dredmond’s reception of his betrothed, which to him appeared almost like a public insult, he was too proud and too deeply wounded to seek any explanation from Adrian, between whom and himself until now the firmest friendship had existed. CHAPTER XXXIX BURYING THE HATCHET Lord and Lady Dunforth called again at the Langham the next morning, but found they had been forestalled by numerous other callers, whom Brownie was entertaining in the most charming manner. She received his lordship with proud but respectful dignity, which, while it grieved him, yet it also excited his admiration that she should thus resent the injury he had done her. One by one the other visitors departed, until at length they were left alone with the young couple. After a few moments spent in a pleasant chat, Lady Dunforth whispered a few words in Brownie’s ear. She smiled and nodded compliance, then, turning with inimitable tact to her husband, said: “Adrian, Lady Dunforth is anxious to inspect the wedding wardrobe and gifts; will you attend her while I entertain his lordship? If you need any explanations Milly can make them.” Adrian saw the point of all this, and rising he gave his arm to his grandmother, and conducted her from the room. Brownie knew that this moment must come, and was grateful to the countess for so delicately opening the way for those explanations which were needful. Lord Dunforth was glad to be left alone with her, yet man of the world though he was, he felt a terrible awkwardness stealing over him, and he scarcely knew how to break the ice. It was a trying moment for the proud peer, but taking advantage of a pause in the conversation, he bent toward her, took one of her little soft hands in his, and asked, in eager, trembling tones: “Can the child of my Meta’s care and love forgive an old man’s folly?”