"No, miss," the servant replied, in that awestruck tone which domestics are apt to use when sharply interrogated. She was an intelligent-looking girl. Her dark skin and coarse black hair pronounced her a half-breed. Her mistress had said "blood is thicker than water." All the domestics under Jacky's charge hailed from the half-breed camp.
"Was my message delivered to him?"
Unconcernedly as she spoke she waited with some anxiety for the answer.
"Oh, yes, miss. Silas delivered it himself. The master was in company with Mr. Lablache and the doctor, miss," added the girl, discreetly.
"And what did he say?"
"He sent Silas for the letter, miss."
"He didn't say what time he would return, I suppose?"
"No, miss—" She hesitated and fumbled at the door handle.
"Well?" as the girl showed by her attitude that there was something she had left unsaid.
Jacky's question rang acutely in the quiet room.