Lord Standon perceived this, and knew that he had not
been mistaken in his belief that he had somehow angered Adrien.
Directly Norgate had closed the door behind him, therefore, he dashed,
as was his wont, straight to the heart of things.
"Leroy," he said abruptly, "what's wrong with you?"
Adrien stared at him.
"Wrong!" he echoed. "What on earth do you mean? What should be wrong?"
"I don't know," returned the other bluntly; "but I seem to have rubbed
you up the wrong way somehow----"
"Nonsense," said Leroy, trying hard to resume his usual warmth of
manner. "What a ridiculous idea! Have you dined, or shall I ring?" He
crossed the room almost hurriedly.
"No, no, thanks," interrupted Lord Standon. "I'm just off again; it was
only a passing idea. Sorry to have mentioned it."
He turned, as if to go; and Leroy made no attempt to restrain him.
"I have to congratulate you, I suppose, on your engagement?" he said
coldly, when the young man had almost reached the door.
Lord Standon turned sharply, and stared at him. He grasped the situation
at once, but was still greatly puzzled, for he knew Leroy was but
slightly acquainted with Lady Muriel Branton.
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