“Thank you, Mr.—er—Thank you, Hapgood,” said the lady. “That will be all for to-day, I think. We will go now. Come, Daniel.”
Hapgood bowed. “You would wish me to stay 'ere as I've done, ma'am?” he asked.
“Yes. You may stay, for the present. Cap'n Dott and I will pay your regular wages as long as we need you.”
“Thank you kindly, ma'am. And might I take the liberty of saying that if you decide to stay 'ere permanently, ma'am, and need a butler or a manservant about the place, I should be glad to 'ave you consider me for the position. I'm sure it would 'ave pleased the late Mrs. Dott to 'ave you do so, ma'am.”
“Well,” said the captain, with surprising promptness for him, “you see, Mr. Hapgood, as far as that goes we ain't intendin' to—”
“Hush, Daniel. We don't know what we intend. You know that our plans are not settled as yet. We will consider the matter, Hapgood. Good day.”
“Good day, ma'am,” said Hapgood. “Good day, sir.”
He opened the big front door, bowed them out, and stood respectfully waiting as they descended the steps. The taxi driver, whom the captain had neglected to discharge or pay, was still there at the curb with his vehicle. Serena addressed him.
“The Palatine Hotel,” she said, with great distinctness. “Come, Daniel.”
They entered the cab. Captain Dan closed the door. The driver, looking up at Mr. Hapgood, grinned broadly. The latter gentleman glanced at the cab window to make sure that his visitors were not watching him, then he winked.