Kent had come to regard him as more or less of a barometer giving away Cardigan's secrets.

He had not told Cardigan, but had kept the discovery for his own amusement.
This morning Mercer's face was less pink, and his pale eyes were paler, Kent thought.

Also he started to sprinkle sugar on his eggs in place of salt.
Kent laughed and stopped his hand.

"You may sugar my eggs when I'm dead, Mercer," he said, "but while I'm alive I want salt on 'em! Do you know, old man, you look bad this morning.

Is it because this is my last breakfast ?" "I hope not, sir, I hope not," replied Mercer quickly.