I complied with her request.
"You have been somewhat tardy, methinks, in finding your way hither," proceeded her ladyship.
I informed her of my visit to Lord Railton, and its disagreeable termination. She had not heard of it.
"Lord Railton," she continued, "has requested me to hold no intercourse with my son, and his lordship's requests have ever been commands to me. I have not disobeyed him. But I have looked for you. I made no promise to deny admittance to you. You were his friend. When did you see him?"
"Very lately, madam," I answered.
"He is in great difficulty and trouble—is he not?"
I shook my head.
Kind nature pleaded for poor Rupert. The mother attempted to speak—once—twice: her lips trembled: she could not: a flood of tears saved her from choking.
"He is well?" she asked at length.
"Well," I answered, "but for his trials—which are severe indeed."