“I certainly hope not!” said Winthrop brusquely. “I know the truth about too many people already.” He turned to Garrett, who, unobtrusively, was endeavoring to make his escape.
“I want to see Miss Vera,” he said.
“Miss Vera,” interposed Gaylor. “I’m afraid that’s not possible. She especially asked not to be disturbed before the seance. I’m sorry.”
Winthrop’s manner became suspiciously polite.
“Yes?” he inquired. “Well, nevertheless I think I’ll ask her. Tell Miss Vera, please,” he said to Garrett, “that Mr. Winthrop would like a word with her here,” with significance he added, “in private.”
In offended dignity, Judge Gaylor moved toward the door. “Dr. Rainey,” he said stiffly, “will you please inform Mr. Hallowell that his guests are now here, and that I have gone to bring them upstairs.”
“Yes, but you won’t bring them upstairs, please,” said Winthrop, “until you hear from me.”
Gaylor flushed with anger and for a moment appeared upon the point of mutiny. Then, as though refusing to consider himself responsible for the manners of the younger man, he shrugged his shoulders and left the room.
With even less of consideration than he had shown to Judge Gaylor, Winthrop turned upon Rainey.
“How’s your patient?” he asked shortly. Rainey was sufficiently influenced by the liquor he had taken to dare to resent Winthrop’s peremptory tone. His own in reply was designedly offensive.