“Yes; show it to Miss Dove, if you like.”
“I recollect now, Lucy,” said Miss Chain, “that I had been upset about the time you refer to by the spy, whose face I am certain I saw in the photo below on the dining-room wall last evening, and which upset me so.”
“Yes, I have heard about it, but don’t you worry, for as sure as you sit there, Miss Chain, you are on the right path to overthrow your adversary. Take my word for that, and I can tell you plainly that Miss Dove never encouraged Mr Falcon; it is my master, the squire, who has been taken in by him, and if I had your chance, Miss Chain, I would let my young mistress know that you believe Falcon to be the same person who imposed on you and your poor mother in Boulogne. However, I had better go and tell Miss Dove that you are coming at once to see her.”
When Miss Chain entered the room, Miss Dove took a seat near her, and commenced by saying,—
“I want to ask you the meaning of your remarks about the portrait in the dining-room last evening. You were very much excited, and you muttered to yourself, ‘He looks as he did in Boulogne, where he took the watch and chain.’”
“I do not recollect saying that, Miss Dove.”
“Indeed, you did, and you also said, not remembering, perhaps, that I was there, ‘To see him parading himself in disguise as he did at Sydenham.’ Now, I want to know,” continued Miss Dove, “if these remarks had any reference to what had occurred, or were they delusions?”
“No; they were true, and I was trying most likely to relieve my feelings as to what had actually taken place.”
“Poor girl! I can see that you have a grievance at heart which may yet be redressed. I only wish that you would stay on with me here as my friendly companion, for I should so much like to have someone with me who was sympathetic and straightforward. Do you think you would like to remain with me?”
“I would gladly do so, but, to be candid, I should wish first to consult that estimable gentleman, the aeronaut, for I would not slight him on any account.”