The Haunted Hotel / Отель с привидениями

�Well, Emily, what can I do for you?’

The courier’s wife made a rather strange answer:

�I’m afraid to tell you, Miss.’

�Sit down, and let me hear. How does your husband behave to you?’

Emily’s light grey eyes looked more watery than ever. She shook her head and sighed resignedly. �I have no positive complaint to make against him, Miss. But I’m afraid he doesn’t care about me; and he seems to take no interest in his home – I may almost say he’s tired of his home. It will be better for both of us, Miss, if he travels for a while.

She put her handkerchief to her eyes, and sighed again.

�I don’t quite understand,’ said Agnes. �I thought your husband had an engagement to take some ladies to Switzerland and Italy?’

�Oh, Miss, one of the ladies fell ill – and the others won’t go without her. They paid him a month’s salary as compensation. But the loss is serious.’

�I am sorry to hear it, Emily. Let us hope he will soon have another chance.

�Miss, you see, there are so many couriers at the moment just now. If someone privately recommends-’

She stopped.

Agnes understood her directly.

�You want my recommendation,’ she rejoined.

Emily blushed.

�It will be such a chance for my husband,’ she answered confusedly. �A letter, inquiring for a good courier (a six months’ engagement, Miss!) came to the office this morning. The secretary will recommend another man. If my husband could only send his testimonials… with just a word in your name, Miss… A private recommendation, you know.

She stopped again, and sighed again, and looked down at the carpet.

Agnes began to be rather weary of the mysterious tone of her visitor.

�If you want my interest with any friend of mine,’ she said, �why can’t you tell me the name?’

The courier’s wife began to cry.

�I’m ashamed to tell you, Miss.’

For the first time, Agnes spoke sharply.

�Nonsense, Emily! Tell me the name directly – or drop the subject – whichever you like best.

Emily made a last desperate effort. She wrung her handkerchief hard in her lap and said,

�Lord Montbarry!’

Agnes rose and looked at her.

�You have disappointed me,’ she said very quietly. �You know that it is impossible for me to communicate with Lord Montbarry. I always supposed you had some delicacy of feeling. I am sorry to find that I am mistaken.