The old lady rose at once to the occasion. "Send Jerry at once for Dr. Payne," she said sharply.
"Please, ma'am, Jerry has left the house."
"Left the house! What do you mean?"
Maria explained. "I haven't seen Jerry since six o'clock," she declared; "he brought me up the cup of tea you ordered for the poor sick gentleman."
"I ordered no tea," said Miss Berengaria, with uneasiness.
"Jerry said you did, ma'am," persisted the maid; "he brought it to me, and said you wished the gentleman to drink it at once. He waited while the gentleman did so, and then said he would tell you. I forgot to mention it, ma'am, when you came up after dinner."
Durham nodded significantly and rose. "I will go for Dr. Payne," he said, walking to the door. "Is the gentleman ill?"
"Very, sir. He says he has a burning pain in his stomach."
Durham nodded again and glanced at the old lady. "You were right," he said gravely, "there is something wrong," and he disappeared to fetch the doctor.
"Where is Jerry gone?" asked Miss Berengaria.