That something was wrong, Mr.Carr of course was aware; but what, he did not yet know.

Lord Hartledon, with his natural vacillation, his usual shrinking from the discussion of unpleasant topics relating to himself, had not entered upon it at all on the previous night; and when breakfast was over that morning, Mr.Carr had craved an hour alone for letter-writing.

It was the first time Mr.Carr had visited his friend at his new inheritance; indeed the first time he had been at all at Hartledon.

Lord Hartledon seated himself on the gate; the barrister leaned his arms on the top bar whilst he talked to him.
"What is the matter ?" asked the latter.
"Not much." "I have finished my letters, so I came out to look for you.

You are not changed, Elster." "What should change me in so short a time ?--it's only six months since you last saw me," retorted Hartledon, curtly.
"I alluded to your nature.