He took his pipe from his pocket and filled it with a trembling hand.
"To have sold myself!" he muttered.
Again her heart gave the lurch it had done when she first saw his expression; but before she could speak he had made an effort with himself.
"But I do not know why I speak like this. You are too sympathetic, my dear"—he smiled—"and I suppose I am a little tired, too, of sitting still in a coach. Is Marius pleased with his commission under Willouby?"
"Marius is very well content," replied Susannah, but her mind was not on what she said.
The Countess Agatha entered.
"Rose! I have not spoken to you! What manner of journey had you? Lavinia seems exhausted. I have sent her woman to her, and she wishes to be excused coming down, poor thing! I fear she hath a sad headache."
It might have been her own daughter she spoke of, so naturally and gracefully did she refer to Rose's wife.
The Earl turned to the door.
"I will go find Marius," he said shortly, and left them.