Lady Ball would not condescend to say a word, but stared at him in a manner that would have driven him out of the room had he understood the nature of such looks on ladies' faces.
"I hope my sister-in-law and the children are well," said Margaret, with a violent attempt to make conversation.
"Pretty much as you left them, Miss Mackenzie; she takes on a good deal; but that's only human nature; eh, my lady?"
But her ladyship still would not condescend to speak a word.
Margaret did not know what further to say. All subjects on which it might have been possible for her to speak to Mr Rubb were stopped from her in the presence of her aunt. Mr Rubb knew of that great calamity of which, as yet, Lady Ball knew nothing,—of that great calamity to the niece, but great blessing, as it would be thought by the aunt. And she was in much fear lest Mr Rubb should say something which might tend to divulge the secret.
"Did you come by the train?" she said, at last, reduced in her agony to utter the first unmeaning question of which she could think.
"Yes, Miss Mackenzie, I came by the train, and I am going back by the 5.45, if I can just be allowed to say a few words to you first."
"Does the gentleman mean in private?" asked Lady Ball.
"If you please, my lady," said Mr Rubb, who was beginning to think that he did not like Lady Ball.
"If Miss Mackenzie wishes it, of course she can do so."