So up went the sash, and the little hatch which simulated a window-sill was pulled open by the old gentleman, who was vexed somewhat at the interruption.
She read this in his honest countenance, and said, as he entered—
“I don’t mean to detain you, Mr. Kincton Knox, I shan’t keep you more than five minutes away from your timber; but I think, for once, you may give that time to your family. It’s becoming a little too much for me, perfectly unaided as I’ve always been.”
“Well, I’m sorry you’re annoyed. Something has happened, I suppose. What do you wish me to do?” said that accommodating gentleman in the gray tweed and copious white waistcoat.
“I told you, Mr. Kincton Knox, if you remember, when your friend, Doctor Sprague, of whose character, recollect, I know nothing, except from your representations—I told you distinctly my impression when that gentleman was persuading you to accept the person who’s here in the capacity of tutor, under a feigned name. I then stated my conviction that there was danger in disguise. I declared myself unable to assign any creditable reason for such a step. Wiser people, however, thought differently—my scruples were overruled by you and your friend Doctor—Doctor—what’s his name?”
“Sprague—eh?” said her husband.
“Yes—Sprague. It is not the first time that my warning voice has been disregarded. It does not in this case signify much—fortunately very little; but it is not pleasant to have one’s house made a scene of duplicity to please Dr. Sprague, or to convenience some low young puppy.”
“I thought you said he was the son of my friend Maubray—Sir Richard, you know?”
“It signifies very little whose son he is; but he’s not—I simply conjectured he might, and certainly everything was, artfully or not I can’t say, laid in train to induce that belief on my part; but he’s not—I thought it best to clear it up. He says he’s some relation—goodness knows; but in point of everything else he’s a mere pretender—the merest adventurer, and the sooner we part with him the better.”
“And what do you wish me to do?” said Mr. Kincton Knox, with some little vehemence.