"And you are a cousin of the dead woman?"
"She was Flora Calvert before she married Brand, the daughter of my uncle. Bocaros and I are connected in a way by marriage. As to Mrs. Fane's maid being here--we shall soon learn the reason," and he touched the button of the electric bell.
Mrs. Varney, with her majestic air and false smile, answered so rapidly that it would seem she had been watching, if such a stately female would descend so low. She smiled ingratiatingly on Laura, who, without waiting for Arnold to speak, put the question. "I saw my sister's maid, Emily Doon, as I entered," she said; "what is she doing here?"
"What eyes you have, miss, I declare," said Mrs. Varney in her deep voice. "Yes, miss, it is Emily. She is my younger sister. I was a Miss Doon before I became Mrs. Varney. Your sister kindly gave Emily permission to spend a happy day with me, and this afternoon we are going to a matinée--Hamlet," said the landlady in her most serious voice, "the whole of it--lasting five hours."
Having thus stated her case, Mrs. Varney waited in the attitude of a startled fawn for a reply. Laura apologised. "I beg your pardon for asking," she said colouring; "it is, of course, none of my business, but I was naturally surprised at seeing Emily here."
"Ah," Mrs. Varney cast a look at Arnold, "we know all, miss. Emily has told me. Juliet's garden--and the Forest of Arden----"
"We are engaged, Mrs. Varney," said Arnold, enraged by the impertinence of the landlady.
With her false smile she turned to the door. "Certainly, sir, but as Miss Mason is in the Forest of Arden I would like her to know that Emily is likewise there. That was why she was in the hall. She has an eye to Professor Bocaros," burst out Mrs. Varney with pride; "he admiring her greatly, and living in the vicinity of Ajax Villa. Good-day, miss, and----" the landlady looked as though she would have liked to add, "Bless you!" but an imperious glance from Arnold sent her rapidly out of the room. Stately as Mrs. Varney was, she loved to be bullied as all women in their hearts do. Arnold's imperious manner only made her admire him the more. Had he been a bully in addition, she would doubtless have adored him.
"I don't like it, Arnold," said Laura, starting to her feet when the door closed. "Professor Bocaros, in spite of his looks and poverty, is a gentleman. Why should he take notice of Emily, who is merely a servant? And she is here--oh, what does it mean?"
Arnold, amazed by this outburst, looked at her in surprise. "My dear, what does it matter?" he said, pressing her to resume her seat. "I don't care if Bocaros marries a laundress. He has nothing to do with me."