Presently lights were rung for; Hedges brought them himself,
but gained nothing by the movement; for Mr. Carr heard him coming, rose
unbidden, and took them from him at the door.
Lady Hartledon's curiosity was excited. It had been aroused a little by
the stranger himself; secondly by their scared faces; thirdly by this
close conference.
"Who is that strange gentleman, Hedges?" she asked, from the
drawing-room, as the butler descended.
"I don't know, my lady."
"What is his name?"
"I have not heard it, my lady."
"He looks like a clergyman."
"He does, my lady."
Apparently Hedges was impenetrable, and she allowed him to go down. Her
curiosity was very much excited; it may be said, uneasily excited; there
is no accounting for these instincts that come over us, shadowing forth
a vague sense of dread. Although engaged out that night to more than one
place, Lady Hartledon lingered on in the drawing-room.
They came out of the room at last and passed the drawing-room door. She
pushed it to, only peeping out when they had gone by. There was nothing
to hear; they were talking of ordinary matters. The stranger, in his
strong Scotch accent, remarked what a hot day it had been. In travelling,
no doubt very, responded Mr. Carr. Lady Hartledon condescended to
cautiously put her head over the balustrades. There was no bell rung;
Lord Hartledon showed his visitor out himself.
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