CHAPTER VI
AN IMPERIOUS DEMAND
There was a little murmur of interest. On the whole, although the result of the trial had seemed fairly certain, everyone was surprised.
"Guilty of murder or manslaughter?" Major Elstree asked.
"Of murder," answered Deane. "There was not even a recommendation to mercy."
Lady Olive looked reproachfully at him. "My dear Stirling, you really shouldn't have told us at luncheon time. If I hadn't been so very hungry, I am sure it would have taken my appetite away. He was such a good-looking fellow, and he has been so brave all through the trial."
"Brave or callous, do you think?" Major Elstree asked.
"Brave, I think," Julia Raynham declared, leaning forward in her place. "I went to the trial the first day. He followed every question that was asked, and he was always making suggestions to his solicitor. I think when one understands like that, when one's intellect is working all the time, that you cannot call it callousness."
"I agree with you," Lady Olive declared. "I was there myself, and except that he looked so ill, he seemed quite indifferent, and absolutely free from nervousness. Yet I am quite sure that he realized his position. My dear Stirling, how thoughtful of you to remember the Homard Americaine. I adore hot lobster, don't you, Julia?"