“I was taken with a vertigo at the station, and the senor permitted me to return.”
“Then your master has gone alone?”
“Yes, senora.”
“Very well. Order the carriage at once. I am going out.”
Baptisto bowed and retired, quickly closing the door.
Santley, who had stood listening during the above conversation, now prepared to follow, but, glancing at Ellen, saw that she was unusually agitated.
“That is a sinister-looking fellow,” he remarked. “I am afraid he has frightened you.”
“Indeed, no,” she replied; “though I confess I was startled at his unexpected return. Good-bye.”
“Good-bye,” he said, again taking her hand and holding it up a moment in his own.
Passing from the drawing-room, he again came face to face with Baptisto, who was lurking in the lobby, but who drew aside with a respectful bow, to allow the clergyman to pass.