“Yes, Lady Georgina, it is quite a secret,” said Nance.
“I am aware of that fact,” said Lady Georgina. “Well, sir,” she continued, “here is Mrs. Rowton. You are at liberty to tell her what you please. Where do you propose to take her to communicate your tidings?”
“To my own house, madam.”
“And where is your house?”
“It is a good way from here—near Clapham Common—but, expecting the lady, I ordered a private carriage, which is waiting for us at the present moment, and we can reach the house in about an hour from now.”
“Very well,” answered Lady Georgina, “only please understand that where Mrs. Rowton goes I go.”
The luggage was secured and put upon the top of the private carriage, which Crossley had hired from a livery stable not far from his own house. Lady Georgina and Nance entered, but the detective preferred sitting with the driver on the box, he said.
“The mystery thickens, but excitement suits me,” said Lady Georgina with a sigh, which she quickly suppressed as the horses started forward at a good pace, and they soon left King’s Cross behind them.
In the course of an hour they reached Crossley’s house. The moment they got within, Nance, who had been absolutely silent during the long drive, spoke.