“Oh, I can’t!” she cried. “I can’t! Suppose something terrible has happened to her, and I’m—”
“Keep quiet!” said Mrs. Enderby fiercely. “I tell you it shall be so! Now, the[Pg 320] veil. No, not like that—not as if you were disguising yourself! So!”
She unlocked the door, and, taking Lexy by the arm, went out into the hall. Together they descended the stairs, Mrs. Enderby chatting volubly in French, as she was wont to do with her daughter. None of the servants would think of interrupting her, or of staring at her companion. It was an ordinary, everyday scene. Annie was crossing the lower hall.
“Miss Moran will be out all day,” said Mrs. Enderby. “There will be no one at home for lunch.”
“Yes, ma’am,” replied Annie.
The maid would not notice when—or if—Miss Moran went out. There was nothing to arouse suspicion in any one.
They went out to the car. A small trunk was strapped on behind. Everything had been prepared for Miss Enderby’s visit to the country. The chauffeur opened the door and touched his cap respectfully, the two women got in, and off they went.
“Now you will please to dismiss this subject from your mind,” said Mrs. Enderby. “I do not wish to talk of it.” She spoke kindly now. “You will have a pleasant day in the country.”
“Day!” said Lexy. “But what time will we get back?”
“Before dinner.”