By all the rules of family etiquette as observed in the best society, Maude should have run to her mother’s side, and made one in a pathetic group: but just at the same moment she encountered Charley Melton’s eyes, let her own rest upon them as a singular thrill ran through her, till she wrenched them away and encountered Sir Grantley Wilters’ eye-glass, and directly after she recalled a promise she had made to herself.
“Open that door a little,” said the doctor—“ajar. Some fresh air.”
Luigi Malsano was back in the street, and the organ struck up once more, “’Tis hard to give the hand where the heart can never be,” while at the same moment a dismal howl came from the doorstep and a head was thrust in, to be followed by a body rather out of proportion.
It was only Charley Melton’s ugly bull-dog Joby, who had followed his master to the house, and been waiting on step and in area for the said master to come. He had several times made an attempt to enter, but had been driven back by Robbins the butler, and thought of going back to his master’s chambers, but at last the opportunity had come, and he too found his way in, for Luigi’s music nearly drove him mad.
Meanwhile the Resident’s young wife was being carried towards Charing Cross en route for Brindisi—the Suez Canal—India—right away out of the country, and out of this story, leaving the stage clear for her sister’s important scene.
Chapter Three.
Down in the Country—The Angel.
“I’m afraid you are not serious, Mr Melton,” said Lady Barmouth; shaking her head at him sadly.