"I do not want anything," said Kitty, impatiently. "I want to see my father. Where are the people of the house?"
"The people of the house? You saw the nurse just now. I will go and ascertain, if you like, whether the patient can be seen or not."
"Let me come with you."
"I think not," said Hugo, slowly. "No, I will not trouble you to do that. I will be back in a moment or two. Excuse me."
He made his exit very rapidly. From the sound that followed, it seemed that he had gone through the baize door. After a moment's hesitation Kitty followed and laid her hand on the brass handle. But she pushed in vain. There was no latch and no key to be seen, but the door resisted her efforts; and, as she stood hesitating, a man came up the narrow stair which she had mounted on her way from the courtyard, and forced her to retreat a step or two. He was carrying her box and hand-bag.
"This door is difficult to open," said Kitty. "Will you please open it for me?"
The man, Hugo's factotum, Stevens, gave her an odd glance as he set down his burden.
"The door won't open from this side unless you have the key, miss," he said.
"Not open from this side? Then I must have the key," said Kitty, decidedly.
"Yes, miss." Steven's tone was perfectly respectful, and yet Kitty felt that he was laughing at her in his sleeve. "Mr. Luttrell, perhaps, can get you the key, miss."