Palliser took in her mood without comment. He had no objection to being present when she made inquiries of Pearson.
“I hear the wheels of the dog-cart,” he remarked. “You see, I must catch my train.”
Pearson stood at the door.
“Is not Mr. Strangeways in his room, Pearson?” Miss Alicia asked.
“Mr. Temple Barholm took him to London when he last went, ma'am,” answered Pearson. “You remember he went at night. The doctor thought it best.”
“He did not tell you that, either?” said Palliser, casually.
“The dog-cart is at the door, sir,” announced Pearson.
Miss Alicia's hand was unsteady when the departing guest took it.
“Don't be disturbed,” he said considerately, “but a most singular thing has happened. When I asked so many questions about Temple Barholm's Man with the Iron Mask I asked them for curious reasons. That must be my apology. You will hear all about it later, probably from Palford & Grimby.”
When he had left the room Miss Alicia stood upon the hearth-rug as the dog-cart drove away, and she was pale. Her simple and easily disturbed brain was in a whirl. She could scarcely remember what she had heard, and could not in the least comprehend what it had seemed intended to imply, except that there had been concealed in the suggestions some disparagement of her best beloved.