It was just eight o’clock when she had her first sight of the horses and postilions and a few minutes later the coach drew up with a flourish. A footman sprang down to open the door and as Lord Milborne stepped out Caroline ran down the steps her arms outstretched.
“Oh, Uncle Francis, thank God you have come,” she cried. “Never have I been so glad to see anyone!”
“I came as speedily as I could, my dear,” he said. “Are you indeed in such serious trouble, Caroline? Your letter perturbed me!”
“Nothing could be more serious, Uncle Francis,” Caroline said. “Come into the house, I must speak with you where no one can overhear us.”
She took him into the drawing-room and forgetful of everything save her own urgency began to pour out the story, first of what had occurred the night before then b
