“Do you think there is anything the matter, Mrs Hampton?”
“No, my dear, of course not,” was the quick reply, while to herself the stern-looking old lady said, “Yes, and far too much.”
In due time, after a chat over the slate of affairs, the gentlemen rose to go to the drawing-room.
“Yes, Hampton,” said the doctor, “I agree with you; she ought to leave here at once; and—By George! I did not know it was so late. I must be getting back.”
“Eleven o’clock?” exclaimed the lawyer, referring to his watch.
“And if I don’t mind I shall miss my train. Come to say good-night, my dear. Later than I thought.”
“Going, Doctor Lawrence?” said Gertrude uneasily; and she looked at him with her eyes full of trouble.
“Yes; time and trains, you see. Hullo!”
There was the stopping of some vehicle at the gate, a loud ring of the great bell, and Bruno shot from beneath one of the couches, to utter a loud bark.
“Hark!” exclaimed Gertrude, who was pale and trembling, as voices were heard shouting hurriedly, some one calling loudly as the front door was opened.