"Seems to have something on his mind," continued Miss Jelks, with a toss of her head, as she placed the sugar-bowl and other articles on the table.
The captain regarded her steadily for a moment, and then, turning, took up a newspaper.
"I should think he never was what you'd call a strong man," murmured Miss Jelks. "He ain't got the look of it."
The captain's temper got the better of him. "Who are you talking about?" he demanded, turning sharply.
Miss Jelks's eyes shone, but there was no hurry, and she smoothed down a corner of the tablecloth before replying.
"Your father-in-law, sir," she said, with a faint air of surprise.
Captain Trimblett turned hastily to his paper again, but despite his utmost efforts a faint wheezing noise escaped him and fell like soft music on the ears of Miss Jelks. In the hope that it might be repeated, or that manifestations more gratifying still might be vouchsafed to her, she lingered over her task and coughed in an aggressive fashion at intervals.
She was still busy when Hartley came downstairs, and, stopping for a moment at the doorway, stood regarding the captain with a look of timid disapproval. The latter rose and, with a significant glance in the direction of Rosa, shook hands and made a remark about the weather.
"When did you return?" inquired Hartley, trying to speak easily.
"Last night," said the other. "I came on here, but you were out."