Was it possible that Nessa and I were in the same house, or had I gone clean out of my senses?
CHAPTER IV
NESSA
It was some time before I allowed myself to recover from the little attack and felt equal to the task of resuming the conversation with Rosa. If the Miss Caldicott the child had mentioned was really Nessa—and it was difficult to think there would be two girls of that name shut up in Berlin at the same time—it was just the biggest stroke of luck I had ever had in my life.
Indeed, all the luck seemed to be coming my way; but I should have to be careful how I played the magnificent cards fate had placed in my hand. I must certainly have Rosa on my side; and that could probably be done by freeing her from the engagement. It couldn't be done at once, however; not until I had pretended to take time to consider.
I must also find out the relations between Rosa and Nessa; and must, if possible, manage not to have any one present when Nessa and I met for the first time. Not the easiest of jobs, probably; although my peculiar footing in the house might enable me to find a means. The risk was, of course, that in her amazement Nessa might give everything away.
"That was a sharp spasm and no mistake," I said when I lowered the handkerchief at last.
"Was it real, or just shamming to make us pity you?" asked Rosa suspiciously. "You were always good at shamming, you know."
"Was I? Oh well, I'm better, so it doesn't much matter."