“Do you hear this, George? Has Louise a French friend?”
“No,” cried her father angrily, “it is a delusion.”
“I would to Heaven it were,” groaned Leslie, “I would to Heaven it were!”
George Vine crossed to the bell-pull, and rang sharply, repeating the summons before Liza had time to enter the room.
“When did you see your mistress last?” he said sharply.
“When I took in the lamp, sir.”
Liza knew no more, and was dismissed, after staring wonderingly from one to the other.
“Stop!” cried Uncle Luke. “Go up and ask Miss Vine if my niece has been with her.”
Liza returned with an answer in the negative; and as soon as they were alone, Leslie said piteously,
“You disbelieve me.”