Marius laid down the mirror and flushed; two years of change in each of them had sufficed to make his brother a stranger to him.
Lord Lyndwood swept off his hat and crossed the room to kiss his mother's hands.
She flushed and fluttered into her usual sweet aimless talk.
"La! you startled me, Rose; we expected you to-morrow—and have you walked?—and I protest you have not noticed Marius!"
"My horse fell lame and I left him at the lodge." The Earl turned to his brother—"Good evening, Marius."
They looked at each other, and the younger man was overawed and abashed; then he laughed awkwardly.
"I scarcely know you, my lord."
Rose Lyndwood smiled.
"Two years, Marius—you also have altered."
He unclasped his cloak and flung it over a chair.