Louis left decisively, without unnecessary pleasantries. Perhaps he knew that lingering at Arthur's house at this critical juncture would cause unnecessary trouble for his old superior, or perhaps it was difficult to conceal his disappointment towards Arthur.
He simply put his hat back on, stood up, nodded to Arthur, as if confirming an already well-known fact — that this conversation could no longer extend in any 'personal feelings' direction.
The dining room returned to silence.
Sunlight still lingered on the tablecloth, illuminating the edge of the silver tray; the steam from the tea had mostly dissipated, and a piece of the muffin was missing, leaving crumbs neatly gathered at the edge of the plate.
Arthur stood by the window holding a teacup; he did not immediately sit down, but rather watched his younger brother Louis get into the carriage and drive away.
He raised the slightly cooled cup of tea, took a sip, and placed the cup back on the table.
