"Where is she; out?"
"Y-yes, sir."
"Where?"
"I don't know, sir——"
"Yes, you do. Mrs. Ledwith is at home but has given you instructions concerning me. Isn't that so?"
The maid, crimson and embarrassed, made no answer, and he walked past her into the drawing-room.
"Light up here," he said.
"Please, sir——"
"Do as I tell you, my good girl. Here—where's that button?—there!—" as the pretty room sprang into light—"Now never mind your instructions but go and say to Mrs. Ledwith that I must see her."
He calmly unfolded a flat packet of fresh bank-notes, selected one, changed it on reflection for another of higher denomination, and handed it to her. The girl hesitated, still irresolute until he lifted his narrow head and stared at her. Then she went away hurriedly.