Ought the others to be told of the fresh development? It seemed better not for the present. It was hard luck to have to keep such stunning news secret, but there was nothing to be gained by raising Nessa's hopes until they were virtually certain to be fulfilled. What would she think of the notion? I hoped I could guess. Being a bit of a sanguine ass, I started castle-building on the foundation, and by the time the Karlstrasse was reached, I had planned, built, and furnished a very noble edifice indeed.
Old Gretchen opened the door as usual, and her look and start of surprise and general manner, suggesting something uncommonly like consternation, brought me down to earth and shattered my castle effectively.
"They are not at home, sir," she declared hurriedly; and instead of opening the door wide, she held it so as really to block my entrance. Her obvious nervousness probably accounted for a step which at once roused suspicions.
"No one at all?"
"No, sir. They will not be home until late."
"That's a nuisance; but I'd better speak to Miss Caldicott."
"She's not in either, sir." The reply was given hesitatingly, and she made as if to shut the door.
A smile and a casual, "Oh well, it doesn't matter," put her off her guard and her relief was shown in her change of look. "Can I give them any message, sir?" she asked. But her relief vanished and gave place to greater concern than ever when I pushed the door open and stepped inside.
"That's a good idea, Gretchen; I'll write them a little note," I said, as I passed her in the direction of the drawing-room.
She slipped before me and stood by the library. "You'll find paper and everything here, sir," she smirked.