"No, I never does,—I want all my eyes the other way."
"Very true, all right, go on."
"Well I was just staggered, when Fox opened the door of the car, and turned to me, and said, 'Why didn't you go round to the garage? there's no one inside'—and that's all I know!"
"Very well, Saxton, that will do," said his mistress, "go now and get your supper," and with a military salute, Saxton departed.
"It is the strangest, most extraordinary affair," declared Mrs. De Wolfe. "I expect Nancy has done something wild, and giddy, and we shall have her arriving to-night, in the musty old station fly, full of her adventure, and apologies. I'm not really alarmed,—only puzzled. Well!" rising as she spoke, "I must return to the ladies; you two, have not had your smoke. Don't forget that we are playing Bridge,—and want to make up four tables."
Bridge proved to be unusually engrossing, and it was only when the players happened to be Dummy, that their thoughts wandered to the missing couple. Mayne was not among the card party, he seemed restless, and unsettled, and wandered into the big hall, where he concealed himself in one of the largest arm chairs, behind a newspaper. By twelve o'clock, the last lady guests had retired,—early hours were the rule at the Court.
And just about this time, a sinister whisper began to creep up from the lower regions; it reached Mrs. De Wolfe, as she was taking off her pearls. In spite of her attitude, the old lady was painfully anxious. "Thank God," she said to herself, "there was no fear of an accident,—the car and Saxton had come home intact; but where were Nancy and Dudley? Surely they must know the misery their absence was causing."
Turning to Haynes, her confidential treasure, she said, "Is it not extraordinary about Miss Travers? Although I have said nothing downstairs, I am very uneasy, and half inclined to telephone to the police station. I don't think there's much use in my going to bed, for I shall certainly not sleep. Why, Haynes, what's the matter, your face is all blotches,—you've been crying! Don't be foolish, don't you know, that half the troubles in the world, are those that have never happened."
"But this has happened, ma'am," rejoined the maid with a sniff. "Martin tells me, that Antonio got a wire from his master about eight o'clock telling him where to bring his own car; and to pack his clothes, and get Miss Travers' warm coat, and a few things in a suit case. He said they were going off to Paris together."
The old lady gave a sharp exclamation, then suddenly sat down. "You must be out of your mind!" she cried.