Part 39 (1/2)
”But, my dear man, this is no ordinary case. Now that I have explained, I shall go, first apologizing to Mr. La Branche for disturbing him.”
”No, you won't”
The master of the house stepped aside, holding his light on high.
”Miss Fabrizi is my guest,” he said, quietly, ”so no explanations are necessary. This man is but doing his duty, and, therefore, Mr. Blake, I fear I shall have to offer you the poor hospitality of my roof until the law permits you to leave.”
”Impossible, sir! I--”
”I regret that we have never met before; but you are welcome, and I shall do my best to make you comfortable.” He waved his hand commandingly toward the open door.
”Thank you, but I can't accept, really.”
”I fear that you have no choice.”
”But the idea is ridiculous, preposterous! I'm a busy man; I can't shut myself up this way for a week or more. Besides, I couldn't allow myself to be forced upon strangers in this manner.”
”If you are a good citizen, you will respect the law,” said La Branche, coldly.
”Bother the law! I have obligations! Why--the very idea is absurd!
I'll see the health officers and explain at once--”
The old gentleman, however, still waited, while the watchman took his place at the top of the steps as if determined to do his duty, come, what might.
Norvin found Vittoria's eyes upon him, and saw that beneath her self-possession she was intensely embarra.s.sed. Evidently there was nothing to do now but accept the situation and put an end to the painful scene at any sacrifice. Once inside, he could perhaps set himself right; but for the present no explanations were possible. He might have braved the Board of Health, but he could not run away from Papa La Branche's accusing eye. Bowing gravely, he said:
”You are quite right, sir, and I thank you for your hospitality. If you will lead the way, I will follow”
The two culprits entered the big, empty kitchen, then followed the rotund little figure which waddled ahead of them into the front part of the house.
XVII
AN OBLIGATION IS MET
Montegut La Branche paused in the front hall at the foot of the stairs.
”It is late” he said; ”no doubt Mademoiselle wishes to retire.”
”I would like to offer a word of explanation,” Norvin ventured, but Vittoria interposed, quietly:
”Mr. La Branche is right--explanations are unnecessary.” Bowing graciously to them both, she mounted the stairs into the gloom above, followed by the old Creole's polite voice:
”A pleasant sleep, Mademoiselle, and happy dreams.” Leading the way into the library, he placed the lamp upon a table, then, turning to his unbidden guest, inquired, coldly, ”Well?”
His black eyes were flas.h.i.+ng underneath his gray brows, and he presented a fierce aspect despite his gown, which resembled a Mother Hubbard, and his slippers, which flapped as he walked.
”I must apologize for my intrusion,” said Norvin. ”I wish you to understand how it came about.”