“No, Sir Isaac.”
“Why isn’t she back?”
Snagsby did his best. “Perhaps, Sir Isaac, her ladyship has experienced—’as hexperienced a naxident.”
Sir Isaac stared at that idea for a moment. Then he thought, ‘Someone would have telephoned,’ “No,” he said, “she’s out. That’s where she is. And I suppose I can wait here, as well as I can until she chooses to come home. Degenerate foolish nonsense!...”
He whistled between his teeth like an escape of steam. Snagsby, after the due pause of attentiveness, bowed respectfully and withdrew....
He had barely time to give a brief outline of the interview to the pantry before a violent ringing summoned him again. Sir Isaac wished to speak to Peters, Lady Harman’s maid. He wanted to know where Lady Harman had gone; this being impossible, he wanted to know where Lady Harman had seemed to be going.
“Her Ladyship seemed to be going out to lunch, Sir Isaac,” said Peters, her meek face irradiated by helpful intelligence.
“Oh get out!” said Sir Isaac. “Get out!”
“Yes, Sir Isaac,” said Peters and obeyed....
“He’s in a rare bait about her,” said Peters to Snagsby downstairs.