Meanwhile, left to themselves, Jack again introduced a certain topic constantly in his mind.
“The Blakes came back to-day,” he said suddenly; “they crossed last night.”
Eileen gave a little start, and was silent a moment.
“How do you know?” she asked at last.
“Barrett, at the station, told me they were in the boat train.”
“How many of them?” trying to speak naturally.
“All, Mrs Blake, Kathleen, Doreen, and Lawrence.”
There was a pause, then he added, “I suppose Lawrence has just come to settle them in.”
Eileen remained silent. The news had taken her by surprise, as she had not expected them for a week or two, and she felt her pulses throbbing oddly.
Then an unaccountable presentiment that Lawrence was somewhere near took possession of her, and, making some excuse about feeling cold, she got up to follow Paddy and Ted Masterman along the front. Jack, wishing very much to remain as they were, was obliged to get up also, and they walked briskly in the direction of Rostrevor.