Five minutes later Roger, hastily attired in his shirt, trousers and dressing-gown, his eyes heavy with sleep and fever, descended the stairs and looked inquiringly about. The hall was empty.
"Why, where has she got to?" he murmured in perplexity, then rang the bell and called for Chalmers at the same time.
The butler appeared without delay.
"Where is Miss Rowe, Chalmers?"
The old man looked surprised.
"I'm sure I've no idea, sir. I left her here a short time ago. She was waiting to speak to you, sir."
"Was she still here when you came downstairs?"
"I can't say, sir. I went down the back way. Perhaps she's with Miss
Clifford, sir. Shall I see, sir?"
"Never mind, I'll go."
He found his aunt lying back on her pillows with her closed.