But the Peer only smiled faintly and applied himself to another egg.
Ere breakfast was over another event occurred. Shafto appeared suddenly at table. He had heard of Dulcie Carlyon's absence or flight, and was in no way surprised by the occurrence.
'You are just in time, Shafto dear,' said Lady Fettercairn, with one of her made-up smiles; 'tea or coffee?'
'Tea,' said he curtly, as Finella took the silver teapot, Shafto all the while looking as if he would rather have had a stiff and well-iced glass of brandy and soda, for he had a crushed and weary aspect.
'We thought you would be here last night,' said Lady Fettercairn.
'Why?' asked Shafto, who seemed inclined to deal in monosyllables.
'Your letter led us to expect you.'
'Did it?'
'Yes.'
'Well—I missed the last train.'