Instinctively, because her heart was beating so tumultuously, Thelma put her hand up to her breast.
Then, as the Earl looked at her, the expression on his face altered.
‘Forgive me,’ he said, “I did not mean to frighten you.”
She did not answer and he went on,
“It is inexcusable, but perhaps you will be generous enough to try and understand.”
“I-I would like to,” Thelma replied in a hesitating little voice, “but – I did not – intend to – make you angry.”
“I promise I am very apologetic,” the Earl said. “Do please sit down and then I will try to explain.”
Because she felt as if her legs could not carry her, Thelma sat down on the nearest sofa.
The Earl stood motionless in front of the mantelpiece.
Thelma was aware that, as in the hall, the ashes from the fire had not been cleared
