So far, engagements on both sides had prevented this plan being carried
out; but now Lady Merivale was evidently free, and he decided to cancel
any existing arrangements, and fulfil his promise. Accordingly, sitting
down at his desk, he dashed off a note:

"DEAR LADY MERIVALE,--I am motoring down to Hampton, and will gladly
meet you there. I shall wire for the skiff and lunch. Au revoir."

Having despatched this, he gave instructions to Norgate with regard to
all his engagements, and ordered the car.

It was a splendid spring morning, just bright and hot enough to make the
vision of the cool, broad river particularly tempting; and Adrien
determined to put aside all cares, and take the day as it came. Lady
Merivale had evidently decided to set at rest her jealous fears; and, he
told himself, as Constance was not to be his, there was nothing else to
do but to pass the time as best he might.

Whatever happened, he was glad to be done with Ada Lester. He had tired
of her almost before the first month of their so-called friendship; but
he had not had the courage--or rather the energy--necessary to relieve
himself of her.

At any rate, Eveline's day should not be spoiled. It should be one to be
marked with a white stone. He little thought with what danger the trip
was to be fraught, or that it would prove the most momentous one of his
pleasure-filled life.