Part 55 (1/2)
”What time will she return?”
”Have you heard from her?”
”No.”
”Did she leave orders that you were to follow her?”
”No; none that I received. I thought--”
”Servants should never think. They should obey.”
”I know my duty, Dr. Vimpany, without learning it from you. Will you let me pa.s.s?”
He withdrew, and she entered.
”Come in, by all means,” he said, ”if you desire my society for a short time. But you will not find your mistress here.”
”Not here! Where is she, then?”
”Had you waited in London for a day or two you would, I dare say, have been informed. As it is, you have had your journey for nothing.”
”Has she not been here?”
”She has not been here.”
”Dr. Vimpany,” said the woman, driven to desperation, ”I don't believe you! I am certain she has been here. What have you done with her?”
”Don't you believe me? That is sad, indeed. But one cannot always help these wanderings. You do not believe me? Melancholy, truly!”
”You may mock as much as you like. Where is she?”
”Where, indeed?”
”She left London to join his lords.h.i.+p. Where is he?
”I do not know. He who would answer that question would be a wise man indeed.”
”Can I see him?”
”Certainly not. He has gone away. On a long journey. By himself.”
”Then I shall wait for him. Here!” she added with decision. ”In this house!”
”By all means.”
She hesitated. There was an easy look about the doctor which she did not like.
”I believe,” she said, ”that my mistress is in the house. She must be in the house. What are you going to do with her? I believe you have put her somewhere.”
”Indeed!”