A Struggle for a Ring — page 375: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

WATCHED. 371 She did not guess that the loud ring she had heard and the subsequent concussion was the consequence of the arrival of a telegraphic message for Lord Carsdale, request- ing his immediate attendance at the Horse Guards; and, owing to a violent thunder-storm which had destroyed some of the electric wires, that message had been delayed until late at night. Lord Carsdale had not been very well pleased at receiving it; affairs were at such a crisis at Roseneath that he did not care to leave them; but it was a case of duty, and there was nothing for it but instant obedience. : ‘‘ What do you suppose it is about?” the earl asked of his son, ‘‘T cannot tell, sir. Perhaps those tiresome Indians have mutinied again, and my regiment may be ordered to India ; or it is just possible that I have to return to Gibral- tar, or it may be of less consequence than that. I shall leave here at five in the morning, sir, and take the six o'clock train to town, then I can be at the Horse Guards the first thing. I will ask you to make my adieux to my mother and the ladies.” The earl and his son shook hands most cordially—there was a warm, deep attachment between them; but Lord Carsdale’s face was clouded as he passed through the long corridor—it did not suit him to leave home just then—he was leaving everything so very unsettled; he had not re- ceived Ailie’s answer—he did not know whether Lady Ethel intended to accept the duchess’ invitation; every- thing was in disorder. He passed on to his room, never even dreaming of the anxious face and anxious heart so near him. Then Ailie said to herself there was but one resource—she must follow him. She could not keep him in suspense any longer, the Gomicboo C3 (E(0)