"You are not going out with me, Lord Hartledon?"
"I cannot to-night, Maude. Business detains me."
She passed up the stairs, vouchsafing no other word. They lingered a minute to let her get into the drawing-room.
"Poor Maude! What will become of her if this is brought home to me?"
"And if it is not brought home to you—the fact remains the same," said Mr. Carr, in his merciless truth.
"And our children, our children!" groaned Hartledon, a hot flush of dread arising in his white face.
They shut themselves in with the stranger, and the conference was renewed. Presently lights were rung for; Hedges brought them himself, but gained nothing by the movement; for Mr. Carr heard him coming, rose unbidden, and took them from him at the door.
Lady Hartledon's curiosity was excited. It had been aroused a little by the stranger himself; secondly by their scared faces; thirdly by this close conference.
"Who is that strange gentleman, Hedges?" she asked, from the drawing-room, as the butler descended.
"I don't know, my lady."