easured tone for which it
is distinguished, I saw him reach forward and grasp his cane with an
uneasiness I had never seen displayed by him before. But when some time
later, the guests having departed, the dignified host advanced with some
apology to where we were, I never beheld a firmer look on Mr. Gryce's
face than that with which he rose and confronted him. Mr. Blake's own
had not more character in it.
"You have called at a rather inauspicious time, Mr. Gryce," said the
latter, glancing at the card which he held in his hand. "What may your
business be? Something to do with politics, I suppose."
I surveyed the man in amazement. Was this great politician stooping
to act a part, or had he forgotten our physiognomies as completely as
appeared?
"Our business is not politics," replied Mr. Gryce; "but fully as
important. May I request the doors be closed?"
I thought Mr. Blake looked surprised, but he immediately stepped to the
door and shut it. Then coming back, he looked at Mr. Gryce more closely
and a change took place in his manner.
"I think I have seen you before," said he.
Mr. Gryce bowed with just the suspicion of a smile. "I have had the
honor of consulting you before in this very house," observed he.
A look of full recognition passed over the dignified countenance of the
man before us.
"I remember," said he, shrugging his shoulders in the old way. "You are
interested in some servant girl or other who ran away from this house a
week or so ago. Have you found her?" This with no apparent concern.
"We think we have," rejoined Mr. Gryce with some solemnity. "The river
gives up its prey now and then, Mr. Blake."
Still only that look of natural surprise.
"Indeed! You do not mean to say she has drowned herself? I am sorry for
that, a girl who had once lived in my house. What trouble could she have
had to drive her to such an act?"
Mr. Gryce advanced a step nearer the gentleman.
"That is what we have come here to learn," said he with a deliberation
that yet was not lacking in the respect due to a man so universally
esteemed as Mr. Blake. "You who have seen her so lately ought to be able
to throw some light upon the subject at least."
"Mr.--" he again glanced at the card, "Mr. Gryce,--excuse me--I believe
I told you when you were here before that I had no remembrance of this
girl at all. That if such a person was in my house I did not know it,
and that all questions put to me on that subject wo
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