“I have had some experience, Mr. Bygrave, in nursing. If I could be of any use—”
“Thank you, Mrs. Lecount. There is no necessity for our taking advantage of your kindness.”
This plain answer was followed by a moment's silence. The housekeeper felt some little perplexity. What had become of Mr. Bygrave's elaborate courtesy, and Mr. Bygrave's many words? Did he want to offend her? If he did, Mrs. Lecount then and there determined that he should not gain his object.
“May I inquire the nature of the illness?” she persisted. “It is not connected, I hope, with our excursion to Dunwich?”
“I regret to say, ma'am,” replied the captain, “it began with that neuralgic attack in the carriage.”
“So! so!” thought Mrs. Lecount. “He doesn't even try to make me think the illness a real one; he thr
