But Lady Bell did not look at him.
“Here is my card,” she said, taking a card-case from the carriage basket. “Will you please let me know? Good-night.”
And she held out her hand.
Leonard did not see it, and merely raised his hat. But Jack, who was nearest, took the hand and held it for a moment.
“Good-night, good-night,” he said. “I shall never forgive myself for causing you trouble.”
And in his earnestness his hand, quite unconsciously, closed tightly on her white, warm palm.
Lady Bell dropped back into her seat, a warm flush spreading over her face; and Mrs. Fellowes, awakened by the stopping of the brougham, exclaimed, with a yawn:
“Home at last!”
“No, miles away,” said Lady Bell. “Go to sleep again, my dear.”
Leonard took Jack’s arm within his, though there was no occasion for it, for Jack was sober enough now, and led him upstairs.