Rudolph, flushing a little at her manner, answered gravely:
“She was sent for to see some one, and went indoors. But then she fainted, and they took her into the dining-room.”
“Thank you. I must go to her.”
Rudolph ran after her as she returned to the house.
“What has happened? You have learned something, found out something. What is it?”
Mabin turned, and he saw that the tears were springing to her eyes.
“I have, oh, I have!” she whispered hoarsely. “But don’t ask me now. I can’t tell you now. I must go to her.”
He did not detain her, and she ran into the house and softly opened the door of the dining-room. Mrs. Dale was lying on the hard horsehair sofa, with her eyes closed. Two of the servants were present, with fans and smelling-salts, and the usual remedies for a fainting-fit.
As usual in the case of a household where there is a skeleton in the cupboard, the servants took sides, and each of the opposing parties was represented on this occasion. For while the housemaid, Annie, was her mistress’ sworn champion, the parlormaid, who also waited on Mrs. Dale, was suspected to be in the pay of the enemy, the old lady now in the drawing-room.
As Mabin entered Mrs. Dale opened her eyes, and sat up.