“And I’m certain she is upset about that woman’s visit, and that there is some connection between it and the case in the papers. I have an instinct in such matters.”
“Take care it does not mislead you,” said the medical woman. Mrs. Dumaresq again noticed bitterly that her friend was much less deferential since the new boarder’s wife had spoken so abruptly of her brother.
Whatever the cause of the younger Miss Semaphore’s illness, there was no doubt that it had alarmingly increased since Mrs. Dumaresq injudiciously questioned her. Fever, extreme excitability, restlessness, and a tendency to delirium, all manifested themselves, and it was only when a composing draught had been administered, that the patient sank into a troubled slumber. As she sat watching her, the medical lady heard a slight knock at the door, and opened it cautiously.
It was Mary the maid.
“Please ’m,” she said, “there’s a gentleman in the ’all wanting to see Miss Prudence Semaphore.”
“What does he want with her?” asked the medical woman surprised. “Did you tell him she was ill?”
“Please ’m, I don’t know. I did tell him she was ill, but ’e said ’e should see ’er whether or no.”
“I shall go down to him,” said the medical woman with dignity, and she went.
“My good sir,” she began, “Miss Semaphore is extremely ill, and must on no account be disturbed. If you have any message for her, I shall be pleased to deliver it when she is strong enough to attend to business.”
“I come from Scotland Yard, madam,” said the man respectfully, “and my business is with Miss Semaphore herself. I shall not detain her long, but I must see her.”