With this the judge returned to Claudia.
"He is gone. And now, my dear, I wish to know why it is that you are here alone? I never in my life heard of such a thing. Where is Vincent?"
"Papa, I am nearly fainting with fatigue. Will you ring for one of the women to show Ruth my room? I suppose I have my old one?" she said, throwing herself back in her chair.
"Why—no, my dear; I fancy I saw Katie and the maids decorating the suite of rooms on the opposite side of the hall on this floor for you. I'll see."
"Anywhere, anywhere—'out of the world,'" sighed Claudia, as the judge sharply rang the bell.
Jim answered it.
"Tell Katie to show Lady Vincent's maid to her ladyship's chamber, and do you see the luggage taken there."
Jim bowed and turned to go.
"Stop," said the judge. "Claudia, my dear, what refreshment will you take before going up? A glass of wine? a cup of tea?" he inquired, looking anxiously upon the harassed countenance and languid figure of his daughter.
"A cup of coffee, papa, if they have any ready; if not, anything they can bring quickest."