"Anything the matter?"
Martin jerked off his cap awkwardly, and handed him the mail and the papers.
"It's them Gordon 'Ighlanders, sir," he said. "If you'll look at the paper—"
Trevelyan opened the sheet.
Martin watched him from a respectful distance. He saw Trevelyan crush the paper suddenly in his hand and turn sharply on his heel, and go into the library and close the door. "I thought that there would stir Master Robert up," he muttered. "Law! that was awful fine, an' won't Betty stare an' hollow!"
An hour later the family assembled in the breakfast room.
"Where is Robert?" asked Mrs. Stewart, sitting down.
John shook his head.
"His room's empty. Must be taking a walk. What has become of the morning paper?"
Trevelyan appeared suddenly in the doorway. He held the paper in his hand, and his face was as white as the sheet. His uncle rose hastily.