The moment before they had faintly heard the sound of some one pacing to and fro, but at the first tap on the door this ceased. There was no answer.
The housekeeper knocked again, and in simple, old English, country fashion called gently:
“Master, master!”
Still there was no response; but she persevered, and knocked again.
“Master, master!”
“Yes, what is it?” came from within; and Mrs Milt turned and gave the curate a satisfied nod, as she said:
“Mr Salis, sir. He would like to see you.”
There was a pause, and then hoarsely: “Tell Mr Salis I am ill, and can see no one.”
The curate was about to speak, but Mrs Milt hastily raised her hand.
“But I’m sure he’d like to see you very much, sir. Mr Thompson’s gone out.”