Valencia chose to attribute them to fear.
"So! Are you returned from the sick man already, Mr.Headley ?" asked she, in a marked tone.
"I have been forbidden by the doctor to go near him at present, Miss St.
Just," said he quietly, but in a sort of under-voice, which hinted that he wished her to ask no more questions.

A shade passed over her forehead, and she began chatting rather noisily to the rest of the party, till Elsley, her brother, and Campbell went out.
Valencia looked up at him, expecting him to go too.

Mrs.Vavasour began bustling about the room, collecting little valuables, and looking over her shoulders at the now unwelcome guest.

But Frank leaned back in a cosy arm-chair, and did not stir.

His hands were clasped on his knees; he seemed lost in thought; very pale: but there was a firm set look about his lips which attracted Valencia's attention.