In about two hours he returned with his report.
“Well?” I said, scowling at him.
“The pond is covered, senor, with gentlemen and ladies. His lordship is there, and they are very gay. It is pretty to see them gliding about the ice, the ladies and the gentlemen hand in hand. Sometimes the ladies slip, and the gentlemen catch them in their arms, and then all laugh! It is a pity that you are not there; you would be amused.”
“Is this all you have to tell me?”
“Yes, senor, except that my mistress is among them. She bade me tell you——-”
“Yes! yes!”
“That she was enjoying herself so much, and would not be home for lunch.” He stood with head bent gently, respectful and submissive, but his face wore the expression which had often irritated me before—an expression which said, as plainly as words, “How far will you let them go? Cannot you perceive what is going on? It is no affair of mine, but is it possible that you will endure so much and so long?” I read all this, I say, in the fellow’s face.
“Very well,” I said sternly, dismissing him with a wave of the hand.
He went lingeringly, knowing I would be certain to call him back. As I did.
“Was Mr. Santley there?”