Irene hesitated. She felt Ulick was concealing something, either from her or his father. What was it? Had anything happened to her husband?
She stepped forward before he dismounted, placing her hand on Random's neck, and, looking up into his face, said, quickly—
"Something has happened; I can see it in your face. There has been an accident. Is it Warren?"
He avoided her gaze. How could he tell her, and the churchyard where he lay quite close by?
The Squire saw there was serious news, and said, as cheerfully as possible—
"Has Warren had a spill? I hope it is not serious."
"Yes, he had a bad fall. I have just left him. I was riding for assistance when I met you."
Irene turned white, and the Squire supported her.
"Where is he?" she said. "Let me go to him."
Ulick dismounted and said—