"Doctor, Doctor, his Excellency the Governor!"
"Who?" asked Brunnow, absently, closing the envelope.
"His Excellency, sir, the Governor."
Brunnow turned quickly. His look fell on the Baron, who had followed the servant and was standing in the anteroom. Raven entered now, and said ceremoniously:
"May I ask for a few minutes' conversation with you, Dr. Brunnow?"
"I am at your Excellency's service," replied Brunnow, warned by the amazement on the maid's face that he must show no signs of perturbation. He gave the girl his letter, and sent her away. When they were left together. Raven dropped his assumed formality of tone.
"My coming surprises you. Are we alone?"
"Yes; my son is out."
"I am glad to hear it, for this present interview of ours brooks no witnesses. Will you have the kindness to close the door securely, so that we may not be interrupted?"
The Doctor silently complied. He drew the bolt on the entrance door, and then returned to the inner room. His uneasy glance seemed to ask the import of this singular, this most unlooked-for visit. The two men stood a few seconds face to face, silent, but with hostility in the attitude of each, as at their first meeting.