"I can assure you I am not like to be a pleasant companion!" said Carstares with a savage little laugh.
"Why, sir, I understand there's something troubling ye. Will ye let me come?"
My lord scowled up at him, then relented suddenly.
"As you please."
"Thank ye, sir." Salter returned to his packing, cording one bag and placing it near the door, and quickly filling another. The piles of linen grew steadily smaller until they disappeared, and he retired into a cupboard to reappear with a great armful of coats and small-clothes.
For a long while my lord sat silent staring blankly before him. He walked to the window and stood with his back to the room, looking out, then he turned and came back to his chair. Jim, watching him covertly, noted that the hard glitter had died out of his eyes, and that he looked wearier than ever.
Carstares studied his nails for a moment in silence. Presently he spoke:
"Jim."
"Yes, sir?"
"I shall be—going abroad again shortly."