Mr. Ravenor waited until he was out of hearing and then turned towards me.
“I do not know whether it is necessary for me to mention it, as you may possibly not come into contact again,” he said slowly; “but in case you should do so, remember this: I wish you to have as little to do with Mr. Marx as possible. You—”
He broke off suddenly and I started and looked round, half amazed, half frightened. The continuous sound of an electric-bell, which seemed to come from within a few feet of me, was echoing through the room.
CHAPTER X.
LADY SILCHESTER.
Mr. Ravenor sat like a man stunned by a sudden shock, while the shrill ringing grew more and more imperative. Then suddenly, when I least expected it, he spoke, and the fact that his calm, even tone betrayed not the slightest sign of agitation or anything approaching to it, was a great relief to me. After all, his silence might have meant indifference.
“Go over there,” he said, pointing to the corner of the room from which the sound came.
I did so and saw just before me what seemed to be a dark mahogany box let into the wall.
“Touch that knob,” he commanded, “and put your ear to the tube.”
I had scarcely done so when a quick, agitated voice, which I recognised as the voice of the man who had admitted me at the lodge gate, began speaking. I repeated his words to Mr. Ravenor.
“I am very sorry, sir; but while I stepped in here to announce her, Lady Silchester has driven through. She is alone.”