“He received me like a gentleman—that is all I think it necessary to say, Lecount—he received me like a gentleman.”
This answer satisfied Mrs. Lecount on the one doubtful point that had perplexed her. Whatever Mr. Bygrave's sudden coolness toward herself might mean, his polite reception of her master implied that the risk of detection had not daunted him, and that the plot was still in full progress. The housekeeper's eyes brightened; she had expressly calculated on this result. After a moment's thinking, she addressed her master with another question: “You will probably visit Mr. Bygrave again, sir?”
“Of course I shall visit him—if I please.”
“And perhaps see Miss Bygrave, if she gets better?”
“Why not? I should be glad to know why not? Is it necessary to ask your leave first, Lec
