“Don’t try to think,” remarked Nicholas grimly, “merely obey orders.”
The words pricked, restoring Jessop’s balance. He drew himself to rigid attention, the mask suddenly resumed.
“Very good, sir,” and Jessop left the room.
“What the blue blazes!” he muttered, as he returned, almost stumbling, towards the pantry.
The expression had belonged to the youthful Nicholas. Jessop borrowed it only at moments of the severest stress. It was borrowed now.
CHAPTER XXXVI
AN OLD MAN TELLS HIS STORY
Antony did not in the least understand Jessop’s request to follow him to the library, when he returned from his midday meal. He imagined that there was some job which required doing, and that Jessop was regarding him in the light of a handy man. Anyhow Antony followed him good-humouredly enough, and not without a certain degree of curiosity. The big, silent house had always exercised an odd fascination over him, and he had more than once had a strong desire to set foot within its walls. He experienced an almost unconscious excitement in complying with the order.