‘No apparitions? No ghostly messages from missing and long-lost friends?’
Lady Farrington appeared a little agitated, but again a glance from Miss Ponting reassured her.
‘Of course not. I do not understand you in the least.’
‘Nothing from Herbert Larkins? He has given you no warning of his approaching return?’
This was a great trial to her ladyship, but she bore it wonderfully well. A greater test was in store for her.
‘What if I tell you he is close at hand, that within a week, within a day or two perhaps, you may see him again?’
The poor lady’s fortitude for a moment gave way:
‘You mean that he is here at this moment, actually here in the house. Oh, let me see him! my sweet, sweet boy; now, now, at once, I implore you—’
Then she stopped suddenly, but with a manifest effort, and turning to Dr. Mayne, said piteously,
‘It is not fair; it is cruel to work upon my feelings thus. This is the subject nearest to my heart, and he knows it, hoping to excite me and make me appear other than I am. It is for this dear boy that I am imprisoned here—I will speak—’ (this was in answer to a warning gesture from Miss Ponting). ‘This gentleman is a Government visitor, he has said so, come here on purpose to do me justice. He shall hear the whole story from beginning to end, and he will know then that I have been the victim of the hardest usage and foul play.’