Poor Bob
had out his portmanteau and began to pack; but I told him not to mind
her; he was my guest, not hers."
"And mine also, you might have added."
He left the room, and went to the chamber Captain Kirton had occupied
when he was at Hartledon in the spring. It was empty, evidently not being
used; and Hartledon sent for Mirrable. She came, looking just as usual,
wearing a dark-green silk gown; for the twelve-month had expired, and
their mourning was over.
"Captain Kirton is in the small blue rooms facing south, my lord. They
were warmer for him than these."
"Is he very ill, Mirrable?"
"Very, I think," was the answer. "Of course he may get better; but it
does not look like it."
He was a tall, thin, handsome man, this young officer--a year or two
older than Maude, whom he greatly resembled. Seated before a table, he
was playing at that delectable game "solitaire;" and his eyes looked
large and wild with surprise, and his cheeks became hectic, when Lord
Hartledon entered.
"Bob, my dear fellow, I am glad to see you."
He took his hands and sat down, his face full of the concern he did not
care to speak. Lady Hartledon had said he was going into a way; it was
evidently the way of the grave.
He pushed the balls and the board from him, half ashamed of his
employment. "To think you should catch me at this!" he exclaimed. "Maude
brought it to me yesterday, thinking I was dull up here.
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