I told him my business was with his master.
After a little demur, he bade me wait in the lodge while he went away, and presently returned with the doctor.
“My dear young lady,” he cried. “I trust there is nothing wrong with that most estimable lady, Mrs. Pimpernel?”
“Indeed, doctor,” I replied, “I come on quite a different errand. And my business is for your ear alone.”
Upon this he bade the fellow retire, and we were left alone in the little room of the lodge.
Then I exposed my business.
He looked very serious when he quite understood what I wanted him to do.
“It is very dangerous,” he said.
I then told him how it might be so managed as that there should be no danger in it at all. He thought for a little, and then he laughed to himself.
“But, madam,” he said, “suppose I do this for you safely and snugly. What reward am I to have for my trouble and risk?”