Having given this answer, Carolyn expected the man to leave her immediately; but he did not. He kept on beside her until they reached the piazza, where hung a lamp. By the light of this lamp Carolyn saw his face. She restrained any manifestation of her surprise, but she asked, quietly, "Are you ill, Lord Maxwell?"
"No, thank you, no."
He moved restlessly as he stood. His face was flushed to a deep red; his prominent eyes had a strange fire in them. Carolyn's instant thought was that he had dined, and had also drunk more than was usual with him.
She was silent for an instant, then she said, "Won't you come into the house and see mamma?"
He moved again.
"No, no," he said, hastily. "You are very good, but I can't, really I can't. I say, now," he added, abruptly, "it's too confounded beastly that Miss Prudence is gone, you know."
Yes, he had certainly been drinking too much. Carolyn drew herself up a little. She wondered how long he would stay.
"I've had a telegram,—Sulphur Springs, you know. Lady Maxwell worse,—not likely to live."
"Oh, I'm so sorry!"
"Eh? Oh, yes, of course,—sorry, you know."