“Mrs. Hale, Miss Judith, Major Richards, Mr. Latimer, and Mr. John, sir,” Anna explained in detail. “Mrs. Hale complained of a headache and the Major volunteered to take her for a run in Miss Judith’s electric.”
“Did Miss Judith accompany them?”
“Yes, sir.”
Hale looked at the pretty waitress. It was the first time that he had seen her since her injury to her ankle. Contrary to expectations, he had not returned for luncheon but had remained at the club.
“How are you feeling, Anna?” he asked kindly. “Not overdoing it by being about too soon, are you?”
“No, sir.” Anna flushed with pleasure. Hale seldom addressed her, much less took an interest in her welfare, and she had some ado to conceal her surprise. “I’m feeling fine, sir. Is there anything I can do for you, sir, before I go upstairs?”
“You are going upstairs?” Hale halted. “Then please stop at Mr. John’s room and tell him that I would like to see him alone in the den.”
“Very good, sir,” and Anna sought the back stairs and limped her way to the third floor.
John Hale’s bedroom was almost directly opposite that occupied by his stepson Austin. As Anna came down the hall she was greeted by tobacco smoke which drifted through the open transom over John Hale’s door. In response to her knock he came into the hall.
“If you please, Mr. John, your brother wishes to see you alone in the den,” she said.