“If I remember, she was a kind of confidential housekeeper, some one said, to Captain Beauchamp’s uncle.”
“A kind of confidential housekeeper! She is recognized in our family as a lady, sir. I can hardly expect better treatment at your hands than she met with, but I do positively request you to keep your temper whilst I am explaining my business to you. Now, sir! what now?”
A trifling breeze will set the tall tree bending, and Dr. Shrapnel did indeed appear to display the agitation of a full-driving storm when he was but harassed and vexed.
“Will you mention your business concisely, if you Please?” he said.
“Precisely; it is my endeavour. I supposed I had done so. To be frank, I would advise you to summon a member of your household, wife, daughter, housekeeper, any one you like, to whom you may appeal, and I too, whenever your recollections are at fault.”
“I am competent,” said the doctor.
“But in justice to you,” urged Cecil considerately.
Dr. Shrapnel smoothed his chin hastily. “Have you done?”
“Believe me, the instant I have an answer to my question, I have done.”
“Name your question.”