On this occasion Mr. Bygrave was at home, and she was admitted without
the least difficulty.
Careful consideration that morning had dec ided Captain Wragge on
advancing matters a little nearer to the crisis. The means by which
he proposed achieving this result made it necessary for him to see the
housekeeper and her master separately, and to set them at variance by
producing two totally opposite impressions relating to himself on their
minds. Mrs. Lecount's visit, therefore, instead of causing him any
embarrassment, was the most welcome occurrence he could have wished
for. He received her in the parlor with a marked restraint of manner for
which she was quite unprepared. His ingratiating smile was gone, and an
impenetrable solemnity of countenance appeared in its stead.
"I have ventured to intrude on you, sir," said Mrs. Lecount, "to express
the regret with which both my master and I have heard of Miss Bygrave's
illness. Is there no improvement?"
"No, ma'am," replied the captain, as briefly as possible. "My niece is
no better."
"I have had some experience, Mr. Bygrave, in nursing. If I could be of
any use--"
"Thank you, Mrs. Lecount.
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