“Very sensible,” replied the General. “I would prefer to see him alone, if you will be so good as to escort me, Miss Hanbury. Alec,” he added, “while I am gone just sit on this ottoman behind the window-curtain and keep your eye on that apple-woman under the railings of the Green Park. When I come back, be prepared to tell me exactly what she has done and how many customers she has had.”
Forsyth nodded, and the General went away with Sybil, who conducted him up the grand staircase and left him at the door of the Duke’s room. It was characteristic of the man that, having heard all there was to hear of her proceedings from his nephew, he forbore to waste words on what had occurred, but dismissed her with an injunction.
“Now run away and help Alec, but don’t let the apple-woman know that those sharp eyes are observing her,” he said, unbending so far as to give her a playful push.
His knock and mention of his name was followed by the sound of footsteps as the occupant of the room remembered that he had turned the key and hastened to admit the visitor. Beaumanoir was fully dressed, and had just finished breakfast.
[114]
