"I have already told your ladyship that I shall have no chance of listening to what they say to each other, out of doors," Fanny rejoined. "But I can watch the doctor at any rate. We don't know what he may not do when he is left by himself, while my master is at the meeting. I want to try if I can follow that rogue through the streets, without his finding me out. Please to send me on an errand to Paris to-morrow."
"You will be running a terrible risk," her mistress reminded her, "if Mr. Vimpany discovers you."
"I'll take my chance of that," was the reckless reply.
Iris consented.
CHAPTER XXXIX
THE MYSTERY OF THE HOSPITAL
ON the next morning Lord Harry left the cottage, accompanied by the doctor.
After a long absence, he returned alone. His wife's worst apprehensions, roused by what Fanny had told her, were more than justified, by the change which she now perceived in him. His eyes were bloodshot, his face was haggard, his movements were feeble and slow. He looked like a man exhausted by some internal conflict, which had vibrated between the extremes of anger and alarm. "I'm tired to death," he said; "get me a glass of wine."
She waited on him with eager obedience, and watched anxiously for the reviving effect of the stimulant.