She could have laughed when he assented.
"Then go, there is no need to interrupt your errand," she felt the desperation in her heart must be touching her voice. "Please let me pass, it is important that I see Captain Lyndwood at once."
The servant stood aside and the Countess stepped across the threshold.
"Captain Lyndwood's chambers are on the second floor, madam;" the man still hesitated, holding the door open.
An inspiration came to the Countess to use her name—her husband's name; all she had learnt of the great dame flashed into her manner.
"I am Lady Lyndwood, and my lord is following me."
The man bowed, and she closed the door impetuously on him.
Now, what to do?
She looked about her. It was a modest hall pleasantly panelled with light wood; she heard someone singing below stairs and wondered about these others in the house.