"I also," said Mortimer Shelton. "I will come up with you, and change
into something more fitted for the journey."
Turning to Lady Constance, her uncle besought her to return to the
ball-room, and thus prevent any remarks being made as to the absence of
himself and Adrien. Bravely, as was to be expected of her, she turned
obediently; and with a few whispered, loving words to Adrien, left the
room, followed, almost unnoticed, by Jasper Vermont. He was quite
satisfied with the success of his plot, but had no desire to come into
contact with Lord Barminster, if he could avoid it.
Meanwhile, having ordered refreshments for the inspector, Lord
Barminster prepared to accompany his son to London. The arrangements
took but a short time; and when the three men, accompanied by the
inspector, silently entered the car which had been brought round, the
ball was drawing to an end. Carriages and motors were driving away,
filled with tired but happy guests, who little guessed that their host
and his son were also being driven away--but to a police-station.
Outside the Castle gates the inspector stopped to dismiss two or three
plain-clothes officers who were awaiting him, telling them to return to
London by the first train.
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