There had been a low whispering in the hall, followed by Eliza tapping at the door and coming in.
“I beg pardon, ma’am,” said the maid, hastily, “but cook and me’s that anxious we hoped you wouldn’t mind my asking about Master Vane.”
A curious sound came from the passage, something between a sigh and a sob.
“There is nothing to tell you,” said the doctor, “till Bruff comes back. Mr Vane has been detained; that’s all.”
“Thank you, sir,” said Eliza. “It was only that we felt we should like to know.”
In spite of the trouble she was in there was room for a glow of satisfaction in Aunt Hannah’s mind on finding how great an interest was felt by the servants; and she set herself to wait as patiently as she could for news.
“It will not be so very long, will it dear?” she whispered, for she could not trust herself to speak aloud.
“It must be two hours,” said the doctor gravely. “It is a long way. I am sorry I did not make Bruff drive, but I thought it would take so long to get the pony ready that I started him at once;” and then ready to reprove his wife for her anxiety and eagerness to go to door or window from time to time, the doctor showed himself to be just as excited, and at the end of the first hour, he strode out into the hall.
Aunt Hannah followed him.
“I can’t stand it any longer, my dear,” he cried. “I don’t believe I care a pin about the young dog, for I am sure he is playing us some prank, but I must go and meet Bruff.”