“Mrs. Black perhaps?” suggested Rufus.
“No such lady,” persisted the boy.
Rufus offered him a bright coin, and said desperately:
“I want to see the governess—”
“No governess here, sir,” said Buttons, pocketing the coin. “No children to teach, sir. There’s no lady in the house but the mistress, Miss Wroat, and she don’t see no one, sir.”
Rufus stood amazed and bewildered.
“Can I not see Miss Wroat?” he asked. “I wish to inquire after a young lady whom I supposed to be here—”
“Miss Wroat can’t be disturbed, sir, on no account,” said Buttons. “She’s not well, and don’t receive to-day.”
“I will call to-morrow then,” said Rufus, with increasing desperation. “I must see her.”
He descended the steps, and the door closed behind him.