eir presence in a
public hotel was, of course, impossible, even for one so reckless as
he seemed to be; and on the road he could not trouble them in any way,
since he would have to drive before them or behind them.

At Lady Dalrymple's reference to herself, Minnie looked up with a
bright smile.

"You're awfully cross with me, aunty darling," she said; "but I
forgive you. Only I can't help laughing, you know, to see how
frightened you all are at poor Rufus K. Gunn. And, Kitty dearest, oh
how you _did_ run away from the window! It was awfully funny, you
know."

Not long after the arrival of the Baron and his friends another
carriage drove up. None of the ladies were at the window, and so they
did not see the easy nonchalance of Hawbury as he lounged into the
house, or the stern face of Scone Dacres as he strode before him.

[Illustration: "AS FOR DANGAIRE--POUF! DERE IS NONE."]

CHAPTER XXII.

ADVICE REJECTED.

During dinner the ladies conversed freely about "that horrid man,"
wondering what plan he would adopt to try to effect an entrance among
them. They were convinced that some such attempt would be made, and
the servants of the inn who waited on them were strictly charged to
see that no one disturbed them. However, their dinner was not
interrupted and after it was over they began to think of retiring, so
as to leave at an early hour on the following morning. Minnie had
already taken her departure, and the others were thinking of following
her example, when a knock came at the door.

All started. One of the maids went to the door, and found a servant
there who brought a message from the Baron Atramonte. He wished to
speak to the ladies on business of the most urgent importance. At this
confirmation of their expectations the ladies looked at one another
with a smile mingled with vexation, and Lady Dalrymple at once sent
word that they could not possibly see him.

But the Baron was not to be put off. In a few moments the servant came
back again, and brought another message, of a still more urgent
character, in which the Baron entreated them to grant him this
interview, and assured them that it was a matter of life and death.

"He's beginning to be more and more violent," said Lady Dalrymple.
"Well, dears," she added, resignedly, "in my opinion it will be better
to see him, and have done with him. If we do not, I'm afraid he will
pester us further. I will see him. You had better retire to your own
ap