“Is he downstairs then?” asked he, at the same time walking in the direction of the lower room, and glancing at the lady to indicate that she was to follow him.
Nini got frightened.
“No, but—”
She attempted to get between the lady and the entrance to the passage, but Bayre was still more determined than she, and he said, in a voice of authority,—
“Don’t interfere. We have important business here. We must pass.”
The girl muttered something about her duty, then, suddenly perceiving that the contest was an unequal one, she uttered a low cry of terror, and disappeared into the passage that led to the servants’ quarters.
Miss Merriman was trembling like a leaf, and he had to cheer and encourage her as he led her gently in the direction of his uncle’s room.
“Come in,” cried Olwen’s voice when he knocked.
“I can’t! Let me go back!” murmured Miss Merriman, in a choking voice.
But he insisted.