Page:Robert Barr - Lord Stranleigh Philanthropist.djvu/94

 to the residence occupied by Wilson, where he knocked at the door.

A deferential servant showed him into the drawing-room, and presently Mrs. Wilson appeared, an anxious-looking, middle-aged woman; not long recovered from a serious illness, if one might judge from the pallor of her countenance. She was undoubtedly much perturbed at thus unexpectedly meeting Lord Stranleigh, and it was with difficulty she could repress her agitation.

"Good evening, Mrs. Wilson. I came down from London to-day, and just dropped in to see your husband."

"I am sorry he is not at home, my lord."

"Ah, well," said Stranleigh, rising, "it doesn't matter. Do you expect him back to-night?"

"No, my lord; he will not return till Wednesday morning." Then, seeing Stranleigh's look of astonishment, she added, "Mr. Wilson has had much to do with the new library, and I understood it was with your permission."

"Oh, quite with my permission, Mrs. Wilson, and really his absence makes no difference. I suppose you have his address, where I could telegraph him?"

"He did not leave an address. All I know is