Part 38 (2/2)
Again the servant looked at me keenly.
”I know Mr. Inch too,” I went on, ”and I must see him. Perhaps he was not as faithful to his mistress as he should have been; he must answer me that.”
This I said as one in a dream, for I had not thought of it before. It caused a light to flash from the man's eyes, however, and he spoke more freely.
”I will tell Mr. Inch you are here,” he said, ”and I will answer any question I can. I have been a servant in this house all my life, and I loved Miss Ruth like as if she were my own child.”
”Did she ever live here after her father's death?” I asked.
”Not until she came of age; then she used to come here through the summer months, but returned to Trewinion, I believe, because of her father's wish.”
”What did your mistress die of?” I asked, abruptly.
The old man was silent.
”Can you not tell me?” I urged.
”I cannot,” he said, stiffly. ”I dare say you could know by applying to the doctor.”
I could not help noticing a strange look in his eyes as he spoke, but I said quietly.
”Then you will, perhaps, tell Mr. Inch I wish to see him.”
”Yes sir. What name?”
”No name.”
”No name? He will not see you.”
”Tell him a friend of the Trewinion family wishes to see him.”
He gave me a searching look and then went away, and in a minute more came back and showed me into a room, telling me that Mr. Inch would see me immediately.
I had not to wait long. Soon I heard a slow, measured step along the hall; then the handle of the door turned, and Mr. Inch and I were gazing steadily into each other's face.
CHAPTER XX
”VISIT HER TOMB”
O, how blest are ye whose toils are ended!
Who through death have to G.o.d ascended!
Ye have risen From the cares which keep us still in prison.
--LONGFELLOW.
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