Page:The Other House (London, William Heinemann, 1896), Volume 2.djvu/143

Rh to the garden. The sensible hush in which Manning waited was broken after a moment by a movement, ever so gentle, of the other door. Mrs. Beever put her head out of the next room; then, seeing her servant, closed the door with precautions and came forward. Her face, hard but overcharged, had pressingly asked a question.

"Yes, ma'am—Mr. Vidal. I showed him, as you told me, into the library."

Mrs. Beever thought. "It may be wanted. I'll see him here." But she checked the woman's retreat. "Mr. Beever's in his room?"

"No, ma'am—he went out."

"But a minute ago?"

"Longer, ma'am. After he carried in"

Mrs. Beever stayed the phrase on Manning's lips and quickly supplied her own. "The dear little girl—yes. He went to Mr. Bream?"

"No, ma'am—the other way."

Mrs. Beever thought afresh. "But Miss Armiger's in?"

"Oh, yes—in her room."

"She went straight?"