E. Phillips Oppenheim

“ Dudley cried out, "but we want to have a rehearsal here. No, don't go away, Gordon, there's a good fellow. We want you to play the part of criticising audience. You're a dab hand at this sort of thing, you know"; and very unwillingly Gordon Crawford resumed his seat on a lounge and took up a paper. He listened to Dudley's coaching, to the merry laughter and badinage, and he felt very sore. ”

“ Dudley he's gone over to Harborough, to see about getting the stage fixed for the theatricals."
"Mrs. Carr in?" inquired the young man, divesting himself of his ulster and leisurely drawing off his gloves.
"No, sir. She's gone out to pay some calls, and Mr. Willie and the other gentlemen are out after the hounds. Howsomever, they'll be home by the time you've changed your things, sir. Will you take anything, Mr. Crawford? A cup of tea, or a whiskey and seltzer?"
He shook his head.
"No, thanks. By the bye, Joseph, is Miss Allnut stopping here?" he asked. ”

“ A tall, athletic-looking man in scarlet hunting-coat and tops splashed from head to foot, evidently just returned from the hunt, had moved to her side and, leaning against the mantelpiece, began talking earnestly. ”

“ There's several of them come on purpose for the theatricals. Miss Botsworth's here, too, and Dr. Thomson, and another young gentleman from Sorchester. Miss Allnut's in the study now, sir, if you'd like to see her—leastways, I mean the library."
The information seemed to please Mr. Gordon Crawford.
"I'll go in and see her," he exclaimed with alacrity. "No, you needn't trouble to announce me," he added hastily, as Joseph turned away with that intention. "I'm going round by the terrace. Have my traps sent up, there's a good fellow, and some hot water. I shan't be more than a minute or two." ”