The snow did not stick long, the ground being still too warm for it to do so, and melted to muddy slush. Lord Trilby, notified by his butler of unexpected arrivals, emerged from his study into the entry hall. He paused before bringing himself to the notice of his friends. The gentlemen brushed powdery snow off their shoulders and tapped their hats against their arms to dislodge the flakes on the brims, laughing and commenting all the while. The stir of dismay he had felt upon hearing of their arrival strengthened, for he could already tell, by a cursory overview and a short snatch of conversation he heard, that this was not to be a flying visit that they paid him. He sauntered forward, his demeanor reflecting only faint amusement. “I suppose I must voice a certain pleasure at this unexpected visit, gentlemen.” The three gentlemen turned as one to regard him. Mr. Underwood stepped forward, his hand out in greeting. A large grin lit his face as he shook the earl’s hand. “My lord!
