“Which way did he go?”
“Towards the square.”
Mrs. Sowler tossed the letter on the table, and hurried out of the room. The servant approached Mrs. Farnaby. “You haven’t opened your letter yet, ma’am,” she said.
“No,” said Mrs. Farnaby vacantly, “I haven’t opened it yet.”
“I’m afraid it’s bad news, ma’am?”
“Yes. I think it’s bad news.”
“Is there anything I can do for you?”
“No, thank you. Yes; one thing. Open my letter for me, please.”
It was a strange request to make. The servant wondered, and obeyed. She was a kind-hearted woman; she really felt for the poor lady. But the familiar household devil, whose name is Curiosity, and whose opportunities are innumerable, prompted her next words when she had taken the letter out of the envelope:—“Shall I read it to you, ma’am?”
“No. Put it down on the table, please. I’ll ring when I want you.”