“I think,” he said, “that I shall prefer seeing the lady herself.”
He was amused at the smile that brightened the honest, fearless eyes looking at him.
“I am sure if you ask I shall not be denied.”
“Well, I will ask; but if you do obtain an interview it will be the first granted to either stranger or friend.”
And the little lady rolled up her knitting and walked slowly out of the room.
CHAPTER XXXV.
A MYSTERIOUS LADY.
Miss Hansen was some time absent, and Kenelm Eyrle awaited her return in grim silence. He did not, as some men would have done, amuse himself by looking around the room, seeking to guess the character of its occupants, as was usual with him; he forgot everything except Clarice, whom he had loved and lost.
“I have been a long time, Mr. Eyrle,” said the cheerful voice of Miss Hansen. “Mrs. Payton was out in the grounds. I shall soon believe there is magic in your name, for Mrs. Payton is willing to see you.”
Evidently the little lady was startled.
“Will you follow me,” she said, “to the morning-room? We found so many rooms at the Dower House that we have been puzzled how to name them.”