“That is what I expected as soon as I saw you. Have you heard that Miss Campbell is very ill?”
“No. Is she at Drumloch? Who is caring for her?”
“She is at Drumloch. Dr. Fleming goes from Glasgow every day to consult with the Ayr doctor. Her housekeeper, Mrs. Leslie, is an old servant, she was with Miss Campbell’s mother; forbye, Fleming says, she has with her a young lady friend who never leaves the sick room night or day.”
“I was just going out to Drumloch, but that is now neither possible nor desirable. I could be of no use to Miss Campbell, I can be everything to my father.”
Allan had only one call to make. It was upon a middle-aged man, who had long been employed by their house in affairs demanding discernment and secrecy. Few words passed between them. Allan laid a small likeness of Maggie on the table with a #100 Bank of England note, and said, “Simon Fraser, I want you to find that young lady for me. If you have good news when I return, I will give you another hundred pounds.”
“Have you any suggestions, Mr. Allan? Is she in Glasgow?”
“I think so. You might watch churches and dressmakers.”
“Am I to speak to her?”
“Not a word.”
“Shall I go to the office with reports?”