"I—think I have taken cold. But by keeping to my room for a few days I hope to be better. A cold always affects the action of my heart and makes me very nervous," said Mary Grey, in explanation of the tremors for which she could not otherwise account.
Then Emma expressed sympathy and sorrow, and begged the pretended invalid to have some tea and cream-toast, or some wine-whey or chicken-broth.
But Mary Grey declined all these offers, declaring that a cold always took her appetite away.
And again Emma expressed regret.
And, as Miss Cavendish talked, Mary Grey grew more composed.
It was evident, she thought, that Emma as yet knew nothing of that strange rencounter on the stairs.
Presently, Miss Cavendish said:
"I am sorry to tell you that we shall lose Laura Lytton for a few days. Her uncle, Mr. Lytton of Lytton Lodge, has sent a messenger for her. She goes to visit her relations there to-morrow morning."
"Indeed—a messenger?" exclaimed Mary Grey, pricking up her ears.
"Yes; a queer genius, who signalized his entrance into the house by a scene," added Emma, smiling.