"Of course, my personal sufferings are nothing to you! It is nothing to you, for instance, that my friend, Lady Rachel Marvin, has vanished!"
Doctor Voules lifted his eyebrows.
"In what manner has she vanished?"
"She is one of the most useful friends I have ever had," returned Mrs. Beecher Monmouth, "and has suddenly disappeared without leaving me a note or a line."
Doctor Voules drew his brows together.
"Refresh my memory, please, in regard to this lady."
"She is the foolish little chatterbox who provided me with all the information I needed in regard to the Malta," retorted Mrs. Beecher Monmouth curtly.
Doctor Voules suddenly became all attention.
"And you mean, gnädige Frau, that this lady has vanished?"
Mrs. Beecher Monmouth assured him of the fact.