His tone was so full of anxiety, there was so sad and strained an expression in his grave face, as he looked toward his young wife, who was talking rather loudly and laughing in a way women will when there is anything but laughter in their hearts, that Nell's sympathy went out to him. It was as if suddenly she understood how much he cared for the woman who was wife to him in little more than the name.
"Yes, yes! I will tell her," she said. "I am sure she will not go if you do not wish it."
He smiled bitterly, and, for once dropping the cold reserve which usually masked him, said, with sad bitterness:
"You think she considers my wishes so closely?"
Nell looked up at him, half frightened by the intensity of his expression.
"Why—yes!" she faltered.
He smiled as bitterly as he had spoken; then his manner changed suddenly, and his eyes became fixed on the flower in her dress.
"Where did you get that flower? Who——" he asked, almost sternly.
Nell's face flamed; then, ashamed of the uncalled-for blush, she laughed.
"Sir Archie Walbrooke gave it me," she said.