While I was occupied in these thoughts several minutes passed, and my impatience at Miralda’s delay in returning mounted fast and I began to grow uneasy. She had promised to be back almost at once; and had now been absent more than a quarter of as hour.
I recalled the former suspicion which had led to my remaining in the hall, and reflected that it might be best to go down there again.
Then the door opened and with a sigh of relief I turned to meet her.
But instead of Miralda, it was Dr. Barosa who entered.
CHAPTER XXVII
DR. BAROSA SCORES
BAROSA was carrying a sheet or two of writing paper, and in the glance I caught of his profile as he shut the door carefully behind him, I noticed that his hard strong features were paler than usual. His set determined expression and manner were those of a man who knows he is face to face with a grave crisis.
“You are surprised to see me, Mr. Donnington,” he said as he turned to me; and his voice, deep and vibrating, confirmed my diagnosis.
“Yes, I am.”
“Let me explain. The Contesse Inglesia has told me what has passed between you and that you desire to have a written statement from me concerning Mademoiselle Dominguez and her relations; and I thought it could be more conveniently drawn up at once.”
“I am waiting for her to leave the house with me.”