Mr. Ferdinand retired, brushing away a tear.
“It would not be feasible, I suppose, Hennessey, to station Gustavus permanently at the telegraph office with a small hamper, so that he might collect the wires in it as they arrive and convey them here, once an hour or so, entering by the area door. I thought perhaps that might obviate—”
Mr. Ferdinand once more appeared, looking very puffy about the eyes.
“If you please, ma’am, La—ady Julia Pos—ostlethwaite is below, and asks whe—ether you are truly going ma’am?”
“Going? Where to, Mr. Ferdinand?”
“The other pla—ace, ma’am. Her ladyship is crying something terrible, ma’am, and says, till she no—no—noticed the fact she had no—no—notion you was leaving us so soon, ma’am.”
Here Mr. Ferdinand uttered a very strange and heartrending sound that was rather like the bark of a dog with a bad cold in its head.
“It is really very odd so many people finding out so soon!” said Mrs. Merillia in some surprise. “Tell her ladyship, Mr. Ferdinand, that—”
But at this moment there was the sound of feet on the stairs, and Lady Enid Thistle hurried into the room, closely followed by Mr. Robert Green. Lady Enid went up at once to Mrs. Merillia.
“I am so shocked and distressed to see your news, dear Mrs. Merillia,” she cried affectionately. “But,” she added, with much inquisitiveness, “is it really true that if anyone tapped on the door you would certainly die? How can you be so sure of yourself.”