We will drink some strong tea
and then determine our course of action. I confess that I feel a
good deal perturbed."
His words were at variance with his quiet and restrained expression,
but Mr. Redmayne had never told a falsehood in his life and Jenny
knew that he was indeed alarmed.
"You must not stop here to-night," she said. "You must cross to
Bellagio and stay with Signor Poggi until we know more."
"We shall see as to that. Prepare the tea and leave me for half an
hour to reflect."
"But--but--Uncle Albert--he--he might come at any moment!"
"Do not think so. He is now, poor soul, a creature of the night. We
need not fear that he will intrude in honest sunshine upon the
haunts of men. Leave me and tell Ernesto to admit nobody who is not
familiar to him. But I repeat, we need fear nothing until after
dark."
In half an hour Jenny returned with Mr. Redmayne's tea.
"Assunta has just come back. She has seen nothing more of--of Uncle
Robert."
For a time Albert said nothing. He drank, and ate a large macaroon
biscuit.
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