"I shall give my directions to her. She must accompany Miss Derinzy. She is faithful to the girl's interest; and would be a cool and deliberate opponent of the Derinzys if there were any occasion for open opposition, which there will not be."
"She is of a strange, concentrated nature," said George. "I don't think she loves Annette."
"Oh dear no; I should say not," rejoined the Doctor. "I fancy she does not love anybody--not even herself much--and cares for nothing in the world beyond her interests; but she is wise enough to know they will be best served by her fulfilment of her duty, and practical enough to act on the knowledge--not an invariable combination. She has behaved well in Miss Derinzy's case; and she may always be relied upon to do what I tell her."
"Should no one else accompany Annette?"
"Well, yes; I think I shall send one of our own people--Collis is a capital fellow, as good as any courier at travelling, and can be trusted not to talk when he comes back. Yes, I'll send Collis," said the Doctor, in a tone of decision.
George approved of this. Collis was an ally of his. Collis was a special favourite with Madame Vaughan; and in his occasional absences, George always left him with a kind of additional charge of corridor No. 4.
"That seems a first-rate arrangement, sir," said he; "I hope you may find you can carry it out in all particulars."
Dr. Wainwright did not reply; he merely smiled. He was accustomed to carry out his arrangements in all particulars. They were nearing their destination.
"I wonder how Annette will take it: whether she will object--will dislike it very much?" George said uneasily.
His father turned towards him, and at the same minute half rose, for they had arrived at the door of the Derinzys' house.