I consider your conclusion to have been both
hasty and prejudiced."
"I am sorry to hear it, sir. I felt hurt by Mr. Bygrave's rude reception
of me, but I was not aware that my judgment was prejudiced by it.
Perhaps he received _you_, sir, with a warmer welcome?"
"He received me like a gentleman--that is all I think it necessary to
say, Lecount--he received me like a gentleman."
This answer satisfied Mrs. Lecount on the one doubtful point that had
perplexed her. Whatever Mr. Bygrave's sudden coolness toward herself
might mean, his polite reception of her master implied that the risk
of detection had not daunted him, and that the plot was still in
full progress. The housekeeper's eyes brightened; she had expressly
calculated on this result. After a moment's thinking, she addressed
her master with another question: "You will probably visit Mr. Bygrave
again, sir?"
"Of course I shall visit him--if I please."
"And perhaps see Miss Bygrave, if she gets better?"
"Why not? I should be glad to know why not? Is it necessary to ask your
leave first, Lecount?"
"By no means, sir. As you have often said (and as I have often agreed
with you), you are master.
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