“Do hold your tongue, and be guided by me:—you men have really no brains. There,” said the lady, placing herself behind the two doors, which, as the side of the piece of furniture to which they belonged stood within a short distance of the corner of the room, effectually concealed her from observation, “now, if you'll only get rid of him quickly, I'll warrant you I shall be safe.” Burdock immediately rang a little table bell, and his clerk ushered in the Mathematician.
“You are doubtless surprised to see me so soon, sir,” said Blennerhagen.
“Not at all; I shall never be surprised again.”
“A wise man should wonder at nothing, perhaps. Unexpected circumstances, which I will explain, have led me to visit you this afternoon. In the first place, I understand, from my servant, that a female has been sent to my house by your directions: her appearance and story, it seems, were equally extraordinary. May I be excused for having a natural curiosity to know who she was, and what she wanted? She was sent up, I hear, to Mrs. Blennerhagen: I have no wish that she should trouble my wife again.”
“Are you anxious to keep her business with you a secret from Mrs. Blennerhagen?”
“Possibly I may be; but I don't know until I discover what it is:—we have all been young. Why do you ask?”
“Simply because your wife is in this room.”
“I don't understand you.”
“Mrs. Blennerhagen is now within hearing: she stands behind the doors of that old book-case.”
“Excuse me, sir;—you have dined, no doubt;—but I am serious.”