to pry into her cousin’s business, nor did her reception of the police-officers imply any such intention. But at that moment her preconceived notion that the Duke was the center of a mystery took definite shape, and she was above all things loyal to the house. She decided that in her cousin’s interest it would be wiser to see these men, and, if possible, forearm herself with a knowledge of their designs.
But when Prince returned it was to usher in not two men, but only one—a cadaverous, middle-aged person in the garb of a clergyman, who waited obsequiously near the door while his card was presented by the butler.
“I found when I got back into the hall that he’d sent the other man away, Miss—said there was no need for two of them to intrude upon you,” explained Prince in an undertone.
Sybil nodded, but the furtive glances of the clerically dressed visitor caused her to call Prince back as he was retiring.
“I trust you didn’t leave them alone in the hall?” she whispered.
“Oh, dear, no, Miss; William, the second footman, was on duty in the hall while I came to you,” was the reply, uttered in a slightly injured tone.
[90]
