"I don't
mean to have any ill-humour from my wife, I can tell you. I know who will
have the worst of it if there is."
"Upon my word, I think you'll have your hands full," said Lord George.
They got out at a sort of private door attached to the chapel, and were
there received by the clerk, who wore a very long face. The news had
already come, and had been communicated to Mr. Emilius, who was in the
vestry. "Are the ladies here yet?" asked Lord George. The woebegone clerk
told them that the ladies were not yet there, and suggested that they
should see Mr. Emilius. Into the presence of Mr. Emilius they were led,
and then they heard the truth.
"Sir Griffin," said Mr. Emilius, holding the baronet by the hand, "I'm
sorry to have to tell you that there's something wrong in Hertford
Street."
"What's wrong?" asked Sir Griffin.
"You don't mean to say that Miss Roanoke is not to be here?" demanded Lord
George. "By George, I thought as much--I did indeed."
"I can only tell you what I know, Lord George. Mrs. Carbuncle's servant
was here ten minutes since, Sir Griffin, before I came down, and he told
the clerk that--that----"
"What the d---- did he tell him?" asked Sir Griffin.
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