“In that case we will not disturb him. Sir Charles does not often retire so early.”
“No, sir. I have never known him to go to his room so early before. He told me not to serve dinner, as he wasn’t well. He would not let me get anything for him. He just took some wine, and I have not seen him since.”
“Since when?”
“About 7.30, sir.”
Bruce turned to depart, but Thompson, with the privilege of an old servant when talking to one whom he knew to be on familiar terms with his master, whispered:
“That there blessed maid turned up again this afternoon, sir.”
The barrister started violently.
“Not Jane Harding, surely?”
“Yes, sir. She came at four o’clock and asked for Sir Charles, as bold as brass.”
“Did he see her?”