“Yes, Miss Webb,” and the man looked at her until she fidgeted.
“Leave the room,” she ordered, sharply, and he obeyed.
“There’s something wrong, Henrietta,” her mother declared, as she came hastily back. “I’ve called and called, and pleaded with him to let me in, but he won’t.”
“Did he reply at all?”
“No; not a sound. I should think he was up and out early, about some business, but that his door is locked.”
“He always locks it at night.”
“Of course. And last night, as he had the diamonds in his keeping, I daresay he fastened the door with extra care.”
“Oh, mother, perhaps somebody has murdered him and stolen the diamonds!”
Henrietta was always outspoken, and the result of this speech was a hysterical scream from the elder lady, that brought Hollis to the scene again, followed by the cook and a housemaid.
Leaving her mother to the attentions of the women servants, Henrietta spoke to the butler.