“No, signore,” was his bland reply. “He is out at present.”
“Then he—he’s at home again?”
“Yes, signore. He returned unexpectedly yesterday.”
“And Miss Ethelwynn?”
“The signorina is still at Broadstairs; we expect her up to-morrow.”
“And my wife, Antonio—where is she?” I inquired, looking him straight in the face.
“Ah, how can I tell, Signor Holford? Have I not already told you that I am entirely ignorant of her whereabouts?” And he exhibited his bony palms.
“You have been with your master in Hungary or in Roumania, I hear?”
“Certainly! Why not?” he said, as we stood within the wide hall. “But the Signor Kirk is upstairs in the study. Perhaps you will care to see him? I believe he has been trying to telephone to you at Chiswick.”
I started in eager anticipation.