She was greatly startled. It had never occurred to her that Fritz was
quite as likely to arrive before Leo Ulford as Leo Ulford to arrive
before Fritz. Why had she never thought of so obvious a possibility? She
could not imagine. The difference between the actuality and her intense
and angry conception of what it would be, benumbed her mind for an
instant. She was completely confused. She sat still with the book of
poems on her lap, and gazed at Lord Holme as he came towards her, taking
long steps and straddling his legs as if he imagined he had a horse under
him. The gay expression had abruptly died away from her face and she
looked almost stupid.
"Hulloa!" said Lord Holme, as he saw her.
She said nothing.
"Thought you were goin' to the Blaxtons to-night," he added.
She made a strong effort and smiled.
"I meant to, but I felt tired after the opera."
"Why don't you toddle off to bed then?"
"I feel tired, I don't feel sleepy."
Lord Holme stared at her, put his hand into his trousers pocket and
pulled out his cigarette-case. Lady Holme knew that he had been in a good
humour when he came home, and that the sight of her sitting up in the
drawing-room had displeased him. She had seen a change come into his
face. He had been looking gay. He began to look glum and turned his eyes
away from her.
"What have you been up to?" she asked, with a sudden light gaiety and air
of comradeship.
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