The New Magdalen

"Have you any idea where Miss Roseberry is?"

"No, my lady."

Lady Janet reflected for a moment. If Horace presented himself without

any needless delay, the plain inference would he that she had succeeded

in separating him from Mercy. If his appearance was suspiciously

deferred, she decided on personally searching for Mercy in the reception

rooms on the lower floor of the house.

"What have you done with the letter?" she asked.

"I left it on Miss Roseberry's table, my lady."

"Very well. Keep within hearing of the bell, in case I want you again."

Another minute brought Lady Janet's suspense to an end. She heard the

welcome sound of a knock at her door from a man's hand. Horace hurriedly

entered the room.

"What is it you want with me, Lady Janet?" he inquired, not very

graciously.

"Sit down, Horace, and you shall hear."

Horace did not accept the invitation. "Excuse me," he said, "if I

mention that I am rather in a hurry."

"Why are you in a hurry?"

"I have reasons for wishing to see Grace as soon as possible."

"And _I_ have reasons," Lady Janet rejoined, "for wishing to speak to

you about Grace before you see her; serious reasons. Sit down."

Horace started. "Serious reasons?" he repeated. "You surprise me."

"I shall surprise you still more before I have done."

Their eyes met as Lady Janet answered in those terms. Horace observed

signs of agitation in her, which he now noticed for the first time. His

face darkened with an expression of sullen distrust--and he took the

chair in silence.