Carr.
"And he"--the barrister pointed above to indicate the
stranger--"threatens to have you apprehended on the charge?"
"I hardly know what he threatens. _You_ must deal with him, Carr;
I cannot. Let us go; we are wasting time."
As they left the room to go upstairs Lady Hartledon came out of the
dining-room and crossed their path. She was deeply mortified at her
husband's bringing Mr. Carr to the house after what she had said; and
most probably came out at the moment to confront them with her haughty
and disapproving face. However that might have been, all other emotions
gave place to surprise, when she saw _their_ faces, each bearing a livid
look of fear.
"I hope you are well, Lady Hartledon," said Mr. Carr.
She would not see the offered hand, but swept onwards with a cold
curtsey, stopping just a moment to speak to her husband.
"You are not going out with me, Lord Hartledon?"
"I cannot to-night, Maude. Business detains me."
She passed up the stairs, vouchsafing no other word. They lingered a
minute to let her get into the drawing-room.
"Poor Maude! What will become of her if this is brought home to me?"
"And if it is not brought home to you--the fact remains the same," said
Mr. Carr, in his merciless truth.
"And our children, our children!" groaned Hartledon, a hot flush of dread
arising in his white face.
They shut themselves in with the stranger, and the conference was
renewed.
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