"Oh! Well then, go and see."
The old man turned and went out into the hall.
"How are you, Mason?" she heard Harry say. "Her Ladyship and I have some business to talk about. May I have a sandwich afterward?"
There he was, spoiling the drama, in Mina's humble opinion! Who should think of sandwiches now?
"Do what Mr Tristram says, Mason," said Cecily.
She heard them begin to mount the stairs. Jumping up, she ran softly to the door and out into the hall. Mason stood there with his candle, staring up after Cecily and Harry. He turned to Mina with a quizzical smile wrinkling his good-natured face.
"You'd think it a funny time for business, wouldn't you, ma'am?" he asked. He paused a moment, stroking his chin. "Unless you'd happened to be in service twenty years with her late Ladyship. Well, I'm glad to see him again, anyhow."
"What shall we do?" whispered Mina. "Are you going to bed, Mason?"
"Not me, ma'am. Why, I don't know what mayn't
happen before the morning!" He shook his head in humorous commentary on those he had served. "But there's no call for you to sit up, ma'am."