Allery intervened. “Perhaps I had better see him, and talk to him.”
“If I may suggest it,” said Collins, “why not just send for him in the ordinary way, and let him tell his story? These old family servants are entitled to being treated to respect.”
Mabel gave him a grateful look. Without waiting for an answer, Collins rang the bell. It was answered by John himself.
He was looking white and scared, but made no remark.
After giving some trivial order, Mabel said in a casual way:
“I hear you have had an unpleasant experience, John. Would you care to tell us about it?”
The old man was dying to do so, and plunged into his story at once.
“Thank you, Miss Mabel, it has upset me somewhat, but I am sorry I mentioned it. While you were away I had occasion to go into the dining-room to fetch some silver. When I opened the door there was Sir James standing on the hearth-rug as plain as life.”
“How was he dressed?” said Collins, quickly.
“He was in court dress, with a sword on, and he was holding his hat in his hand.”