Then a silence ensued. It was evident that the earl expected the young viscount to account for his presence, and that Lord Blair found it rather hard to begin.
"Not had the gout lately, I hope, sir?" he said.
"Thanks, no; not very lately," replied the earl.
"I'm glad of that," said Lord Blair. "I shouldn't have liked to worry you while you were ill—and—and I ought to apologize for coming uninvited——"
It was palpable that he was not used to apologizing, and he did it awkwardly and bluntly.
The earl waved his hand.
"You are always free to come to the Court, Blair; you know that, I trust?"
He did not say that he was welcome, or that he, the earl was glad to see him.
"Thanks," said Lord Blair. "I shouldn't have come if I hadn't been obliged—I mean," with a smile at his clumsiness, "I mean I wanted to see you particularly on business——"
"Business?" said the earl, raising his eyebrows slightly. "Would not Messrs. Tyler & Driver——"