"Not always, I am afraid."
Mr. Kelly sank into profound silence. This was not his usual mode; and Lettice became speedily aware that he had something on his mind. He had been very friendly and pleasant of late, and she enjoyed a call from him; but the abstraction to-day became somewhat heavy. Lettice tried to get up a conversation, and there was no response. She spoke of Prue, and he only said, "Yes."
"I don't think Prue is looking at all well?" hazarded Lettice.
"No? Indeed?"
"For a long time past. Ever since I came."
"Ah, yes!"
"And Bertha thinks the same. Bertha has just been to see me."
"Yes, indeed," murmured Mr. Kelly.
Lettice gave up, and imitated his silence. For three minutes, at least, the noisy little clock had things his own way, undisturbed.
"Dear me, I'm afraid this is very unsociable," said Mr. Kelly at length. "I had no intention—I am sure—"