But tempting as the viands were that stood, before him, Alexander could eat but little.
Drusilla noticed his want of appetite and said:
“You are not well, dear. Have you a head-ache? Shall I order some strong green tea made for you?”
“No, Drusa; I never drink tea in the morning unless I am really sick. And I am quite well now; except that I am a little disturbed in regard to—to that business connected with my late father’s will,” said Alexander, evasively.
“Oh, then it wasn’t settled yesterday?”
“Oh, no; and I fear it will not be for many days yet.”
“I am sorry, Alick. But never mind. Everybody must have some little thing to vex them; but it can’t last forever, you know. Try a little bit of this smoked salmon. It is very nice.”
To please her he tried the salmon, and found that it gave him an appetite; and he made a better breakfast than he had expected to do.
When he had finished, he rang the bell, which summoned Leo to the room.
“Have my horse saddled and brought around here directly,” he said to the boy. Then, turning to his wife, he added: