He had not got to the coat when Miranda’s amiable chocolate face appeared at the door.
“Col’nel Denbigh, Mist’ Carter,” she said, and withdrew.
The colonel, carrying his wide hat in his hand, came in. He looked very tall, very thin, and very grave.
“Oh, colonel, is there anything the matter?” Mrs. Carter cried impulsively, seeing his face.
The colonel stood still, his white head erect and his fine old face flushing a little.
“I came to see William,” he said. “Is he here?”
Mrs. Carter ran to the door.
“Miranda,” she called after the girl, “go up and tell Mr. William to come down.”
Meanwhile, Mr. Carter had offered a chair. He was a little startled and perplexed, but he looked keenly at the colonel.
“Do you want us to go, colonel?” he asked bluntly.