David left the room and remained absent for some time. On his return he stated that Dido had come with a message from Isabella, and that she refused to deliver it to anyone save the major. Seeing that the negress was thus insistent, and wondering what Miss Dallas might want with him at so painful a time, Jen yielded, and Dido was admitted into the library. She looked taller, more massive, and more sullen than ever, and though she trembled at the sight of Dr. Etwald--who, by the way, kept his dark eyes studiously fixed on her--she was fairly composed when she addressed the major.
"My lil missy want you, sar," said Dido, going straight to the point.
"What does she want to see me about?" asked Jen, coldly.
"I no know, massa. She weep! She ill! She make terrible bobbery, dat poo' girl. Massa, come an' see my lil missy dis day."
"I can't at present. The police are in the house; there is a lot to be attended to. Tell your mistress, Dido, that I will see her to-morrow."
"She want you to-day," insisted Dido, obstinately.
"I have given you the message," said Jen, sharply. "Tell her I'll see her to-morrow. And now, Dido, I want to know what you have to do with this crime?"
"I, massa! Ole Dido she do nuffin. Massa Maurice he die Voodoo! Oh, yes."
"By that devil-stick poison?"
"Me don't know what debble-stick is. I no touch him."