The Haunted Hotel / Отель с привидениями

To his surprise there appeared, in her place, a perfect stranger to him – a gentleman, with an expression of pain and embarrassment on his handsome face. He looked at Mr. Troy, and bowed gravely.

�Some news has greatly distressed Miss Agnes Lockwood,’ he said. �She has retired to her room. I can speak to you in her place.’

Then he noticed Mrs. Ferrari, and held out his hand to her kindly.

�It is some years since we last met, Emily,’ he said. �I am afraid you have almost forgotten “Master Henry”.

�The late Lord Montbarry!’ Mr. Troy exclaimed.

�My brother died in Venice yesterday evening. There is the telegram,’ he handed the paper to Mr. Troy.

The message was in these words:

�Lady Montbarry, Venice. To Stephen Robert Westwick, Newbury’s Hotel, London.

It is useless to take the journey. Lord Montbarry died of bronchitis, at 8.40 this evening. All needful details by post.’

�Was this expected, sir?’ the lawyer asked.

�I cannot say that we are surprised,’ Henry answered. �My brother Stephen (who is now the head of the family) received a telegram three days ago, informing him that alarming symptoms had declared themselves. The second physician was invited. He telegraphed that Lord Montbarry was in a state of insensibility, and that, in his brief intervals of consciousness, he recognised nobody.

My brother waited in London for later information.

�Mrs. Ferrari,’ said Mr. Troy, �have you heard what Mr. Westwick has just told me?’

�Yes, sir.’

�Have you any questions to ask?’

�No, sir.’

�You look alarmed,’ the lawyer persisted. �Is it still about your husband?’

�I shall never see my husband again, sir. I am sure of it now.’

�Sure of it, after what you have just heard?’

�Yes, sir.’

�Can you tell me why?’

�No, sir. It’s a feeling I have.

�Oh, a feeling?’ Mr. Troy repeated, in a tone of compassionate contempt.

He rose.

�Accept the expression of my sympathy[18 - accept the expression of my sympathy – примите мои соболезнования], sir,’ he said to Mr. Westwick politely. �I wish you good evening.’

Henry turned to Mrs. Ferrari as the lawyer closed the door.

�I have heard of your trouble, Emily, from Miss Lockwood.