Part 23 (2/2)

”Take h,” said Chester, quietly

”Not at home, sir”

”Look here,lady, so have the goodness to take up my card”

”Not at home, sir,” repeated the butler, pompously

”To ordinary visitors, perhaps,” said Chester, whose te at the man's manner; ”but she will seelady wasn't at home, sir,” said the butler, more offensive in speech and manner than ever

”Yes,” said Chester, still quietly, ”and I know perfectly well that this is only the customary formal reply to ordinary callers My business is ih will see me, so take my card up at once”

”Look here, sir,” said the man, insolently; ”I have had my orders, and I knohat to do Once more: not at home”

”Am I to understand that you refuse to take up my card?”

”Yes, sir; that's it They've seen your card, and ain the fa to do with your ood fellow

My business is with Miss Clareborough, and I insist on seeing her”

”Not at home,” said the man, shortly; and he drew back to close the door

But firmly convinced that the lady he desired to see was a prisoner, Chester in his excitement stepped forward, and, to the rily, ”no more of this insolence, sir; take or send h”

”I say, look here,” cried the the butler, whose face grew ruddy and then white, ”haven't I told you she isn't at hoood fellow, and I tell you now that she is, and that I will not stir from here until I have seen her”

”Then look here, sir,” cried the butler; ”I shall send for the police”

”Do--at once,” retorted Chester

The butler's jaw dropped in his astonishment, but he recovered himself, closed the door, and took a few steps further into the hall, Chester following

”Come, none of that,” cried theof this, Mr Roach?” said a faerly pressed forward