I never saw a man’s countenance express such changes of emotion within so short a time. From anger to fear—and back again—was such a swift transition that it startled me. I began from that moment to wonder very much what the mystery was which surrounded my father’s death fourteen years before!
But the next instant my attention was recalled to my mother. For a moment she sat motionless. Now she started up from her chair with a little cry.
“What is it, mother?” I cried, in alarm. Had I not caught her she would have fallen to the floor.
“Now, see what you have done!” snarled Mr. Downes. “You have over-excited her. Get out of the way, boy——”
I gave him a look that halted him. Had he touched my mother then I would have been at his throat! Exerting all my strength I picked her up bodily and carried her to the nearest couch. The bell push was at hand and I rang for her maid. The woman responded immediately and James was right behind her in the hall.
“Attend to your mistress, Marie,” I said. “And James!”
“Yes, sir,” said the big butler, coming to the door.
“Order the carriage at once and see that Mr. Downes’ bags are brought down. They are leaving immediately.”
The butler’s face was perfectly impassive. Mr. Downes broke into a nasty laugh.
“James will do nothing of the sort,” he said. “I think too much of my sister to leave the house while she is so unwell. What do you think, Marie? Is it serious? Shall I telephone for Dr. Eldridge?”