It was Mr Hampton who asked the question as he returned one afternoon from town, to find a van in the yard at The Mynns, and some workmen about to leave.
“The men brought down a billiard-table, sir, and have been putting it up in the west room.”
“Oh!”
The old lawyer hung up his hat and coat, and then turned to find the old lady looking at him very piteously.
“Well, Mrs Denton, what is it?”
“Nothing, sir, nothing,” said the old lady; and she sighed as she smothered down her feelings and went away.
“Humph!” ejaculated the lawyer. “Don’t like it, poor old soul.”
He went into the drawing-room, where he found Gertrude seated with his wife.
“Ah, my dear, I was afraid I was late. Not dressed for dinner?”
“No, Mr Hampton; George wished it to be an hour later.”