There was more than a suspicion of laughter in his voice this time , but Lucinda did not choose to resent it . She did not speak again until they reached the Grange gate . Then she faced him solemnly . `` It was a case of atavism , '' she said . `` Old Grandfather Gordon was to blame for it . '' At the Grange almost everybody was in bed . What with the guests straggling home at intervals and hurrying sleepily off to their rooms , nobody had missed Lucinda , each set supposing she was with some other set . Mrs. Frederick , Mrs. Nathaniel and Mrs. George alone were up . The perennially chilly Mrs. Nathaniel had kindled a fire of chips in the blue room grate to warm her feet before retiring , and the three women were discussing the wedding in subdued tones when the door opened and the stately form of Lucinda , stately even in the dragged voile , appeared , with the damp Romney behind her . `` Lucinda Penhallow ! '' gasped they , one and all . `` I was left to walk home , '' said Lucinda coolly . `` So Romney and I came across the fields . There was no bridge over the brook , and when he was carrying me over he slipped and we fell in . That is all . No , Cecilia , I never take cold , so do n't worry . Yes , my dress is ruined , but that is of no consequence . No , thank you , Cecilia , I do not care for a hot drink . Romney , do go and take off those wet clothes of yours immediately . No , Cecilia , I will NOT take a hot footbath .
I am going straight XXXXX bed .
across at for in of over than to until with