The Haunted Hotel / Отель с привидениями

’

�And what did you say?’

�I said, “I give you better than proof, gentlemen; I give you my positive opinion.’

�That satisfied them, of course?’

�They didn’t say anything, sir. They looked at each other – and wished me good-morning.’

�Well, Mrs. Ferrari, I think I shall wish you good-morning too. In the absence of proof, I can do no more.’

�I can provide you with proof, sir – if that is all you want,’ said Mrs. Ferrari. �You probably know that Lady Montbarry has arrived in London, at Newbury’s Hotel.

I propose to go and see her.’

�May I ask for what purpose?’

Mrs. Ferrari answered in a mysterious whisper.

�For the purpose of catching her in a trap! The first words I say to her will be these: “I come, my lady, to acknowledge the receipt of the money sent to Ferrari’s widow.” And I am going there now, sir. You will hear how it ends. I wish you good-morning.’

With those brave words the courier’s wife gathered her mantle, and walked out of the room.

Mr. Troy smiled – not satirically, but compassionately:

�I wonder how it will end?’

Chapter X

In the meantime, Mrs. Ferrari went straight from Mr. Troy’s office to Newbury’s Hotel. Lady Montbarry was at home, and alone. In spite of her resolution, Mrs. Ferrari was nervous, when the maid led her into the ante-room, and knocked at the door. A low, grave voice from the inner room said,

�Come in.’

The maid, opening the door, announced,

�A person to see you, my lady, on business,’ and immediately retired.

In the one instant, timid little Mrs. Ferrari stood in the presence of Lord Montbarry’s widow.

It was still early in the afternoon, but the light in the room was dim. Lady Montbarry sat with her back to the windows. She looked at the stranger with a moment’s languid curiosity.

�I don’t know you,’ she said. �What do you want with me?’

Mrs. Ferrari tried to answer.

Her courage went away. The bold words died on her lips. There was a moment of silence. Lady Montbarry looked again at the speechless stranger.

�Are you deaf?’ she asked.

There was another pause.

�Do you want money?’

Money! The courier’s wife recovered her courage.

�Look at me, my lady, if you please,’ she said.

Lady Montbarry looked at her for the third time. The fatal words passed Mrs. Ferrari’s lips.