His anger had not alarmed
her; his opinion had not influenced her. In Hugh's interests, he
determined to try what consideration and indulgence would do towards
cultivating the growth of her regard for him. Finding that she had left
her maid and her luggage at the hotel, he hospitably insisted on their
removal to his own house.
"While you are in Ardoon, Iris, you are my guest," he said.
She pleased him by readily accepting the invitation--and then annoyed
him by asking again if he had heard anything of Lord Harry.
He answered shortly and sharply: "I have heard nothing. What is _your_
last news of him?"
"News," she said, "which I sincerely hope is not true. An Irish paper
has been sent to me, which reports that he has joined the secret
society--nothing better than a society of assassins, I am afraid--which
is known by the name of the Invincibles."
As she mentioned that formidable brotherhood, Dennis Howmore returned
from the police-office. He announced that a Sergeant was then waiting
to receive instructions from Sir Giles.
V
IRIS rose to go. Her godfather courteously stopped her.
"Wait here," he said, "until I have spoken to the Sergeant, and I will
escort you to my house.
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