“I did not regard it, and you need not either.”
Martin seemed to force his rigid mouth to smile. “No. Well — mighty good of you to take it so! Of course I know it was not your fault. Good-night!”
He went quickly away, and for a full minute there was silence in the library. The Earl snuffed a guttering candle, and said: “Do you mean to return to Stanyon when you have done all your business at Evesleigh, Theo, or do you go on immediately to Studham?”
“I believe I may postpone my journey,” Theo said slowly.
“Indeed! May I know why?”
Theo looked frowningly at him. “It might be best if I were to remain at Stanyon — for the present.”
“Oh, are you at that again? I have told you already that I don’t need a watch-dog, my dear fellow!”
“And still I should prefer to remain!”
“Why? when you have heard Martin make me an apology?”
Theo met the deep blue eyes full. “In all the years I have known Martin,” he said deliberately, “I have never heard him utter an apology, or even acknowledge a fault!”