“Please, madam, please!” he said, more hurriedly than he had yet spoken, and edging his way towards the door. “I’m not going to take them up nor touch them any more. The—the honour and the privilege is mine, and I’d take it kindly if you wouldn’t mention the matter to Mr. Carling or to anyone; it’s just between you and me, if you don’t mind, madam. My respectful duty to Mr. Carling when you’re able to see him, madam.”
He was now in full retreat across the little hall, his hand actually on the latch of the door.
“Wait one minute,” she pleaded distractedly. “At least let me try to thank you—try to say what I feel and think; or do come back to see your old friend, Miss Culpepper——”
But he had the door open and was already outside.
“Thank you kindly, madam. I would be very glad to call one evening and have a chat with Maria over old times. And please don’t be so distressed, madam.”
With that he was gone, passing like a grey shadow down the staircase, leaving Grace staring after him through her tears.
“And he didn’t even let me shake hands with him!” she thought, as she went in and shut the door.