serious matter than we thought at first.”
“Oh! don’t. If only we are in time. That woman’s in some awful danger, I feel it in my bones.”
“Don’t let your imagination run away with you.”
“I can’t help it. I mistrust that man. What shall we do? I think it would be a good plan if I went and rang the bell alone first, and asked boldly for Mrs. Leigh Gordon just to see what answer I get. Because, after all, it may be perfectly fair and above board.”
Tuppence carried out her plan. The door was opened almost immediately by a man servant with an impassive face.
“I want to see Mrs. Leigh Gordon if she is well enough to see me.”
She fancied that there was a momentary flicker of the man’s eyelashes, but he answered readily enough.
“There is no one of that name here, Madam.”
“Oh! surely. This is Doctor Horriston’s place, The Grange, is it not?”
“Yes, Madam, but there is nobody of the name of Mrs. Leigh Gordon here.”
Baffled, Tuppence was forced to withdraw and hold a further consultation with Tommy outside the gate.
“Perhaps he was speaking the truth. After all, we don’t know .”
“He wasn’t. He was lying. I’m sure of it.”
“Wait until the doctor comes back,” said Tommy. “Then I’ll pass myself off as a journalist anxious to discuss his new