Lecount's next proceeding. In this emergency, his
experience warned him that there was one safe course, and one only,
which he could take. He resolved to try the confusing effect on the
housekeeper of a complete change of tactics before she had time to press
her advantage and attack him in the dark. With this view he sent the
servant upstairs to request that Miss Bygrave would come down and speak
to him.
"I hope I don't disturb you," said the captain, when Magdalen entered
the room. "Allow me to apologize for the smell of tobacco, and to say
two words on the subject of our next proceedings. To put it with my
customary frankness, Mrs. Lecount puzzles me, and I propose to return
the compliment by puzzling her. The course of action which I have to
suggest is a very simple one. I have had the honor of giving you a
severe neuralgic attack already, and I beg your permission (when Mr.
Noel Vanstone sends to inquire to-morrow morning) to take the further
liberty of laying you up altogether. Question from Sea-view Cottage:
'How is Miss Bygrave this morning?' Answer from North Shingles: 'Much
worse: Miss Bygrave is confined to her room.' Question repeated every
day, say for a fortnight: 'How is Miss Bygrave?' Answer repeated,
if necessary, for the same time: 'No better.
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