In reply to this pressing epistle, Durham wrote, telling Miss Berengaria to wait for three or four days. He was advertising for Tolomeo, and hoped to see him at his office. If, as Durham thought, the Italian had been with Sir Simon on that night, something might be learned from him likely to prove the presence of Michael in the room. The examination of Michael—which Durham proposed to make, would then be rendered much easier. The lawyer, in conclusion, quite agreed with Miss Plantagenet that Conniston and Bernard should not be told. "I hope to be with you by the end of the week," he finished.
"Deuce take the man," said Miss Berengaria, rubbing her nose. "Does he think I can wait all that time?"
"I don't see what else you can do, aunt," said Alice, when the letter was read. "And this poor creature is so weak, that I do not think he will be able to speak much for a few days. All we have to do is to nurse him and ask no questions."
"And to let him think we believe him to be Bernard."
"Oh, he is quite convinced of that," said Alice, quickly. "I suppose he hoped I would think his altered looks might induce me to overlook any lack of resemblance to Bernard."
"Yes, but he must guess when you talk you will find him out, seeing you know much of Bernard that he cannot know."
"Perhaps that is why he holds his tongue," said Alice, rising. "But we must wait, aunt."
"I suppose we must," said Miss Berengaria, dolefully. "Drat the whole business! Was there ever such a coil?"
"Well then, aunt, will you leave it alone?"
"Certainly not. I intend to see the thing through. Owing to my reticence to Sir Simon about your parents, Alice, I am really responsible for the whole business, so I will keep working at it until Bernard is out of danger and married to you."