“I wonder!” she said softly, “I wonder!”
Mr. Sabin had unconsciously spoken the truth when he had pleaded an appointment to Lord Wolfenden. His servant drew him on one side directly they entered the house.
“There is a young lady here, sir, waiting for you in the study.”
“Been here long?” Mr. Sabin asked.
“About two hours, sir. She has rung once or twice to ask about you.”
Mr. Sabin turned away and opened the study door, carefully closing it behind him at once as he recognised his visitor. The air was blue with tobacco smoke, and the girl, who looked up at his entrance, held a cigarette between her fingers. Mr. Sabin was at least as surprised as Lord Wolfenden when he recognised his visitor, but his face was absolutely emotionless. He nodded not unkindly and stood looking at her, leaning upon his stick.
“Well, Blanche, what has gone wrong?” he asked.
“Pretty well everything,” she answered. “I’ve been turned away.”