Chapter 19
Francis was surprised, when he descended for breakfast the next
morning, to find the table laid for one only. The butler who was
waiting, handed him the daily papers and wheeled the electric
heater to his side.
“Is no one else breakfasting?” Francis asked.
“Sir Timothy and Mrs. Hilditch are always served in their rooms,
sir. Her ladyship is taking her coffee upstairs.”
Francis ate his breakfast, glanced through the Times, lit a
cigarette and went round to the garage for his car. The butler met
him as he drove up before the porch.
“Sir Timothy begs you to excuse him this morning, sir,” he
announced. “His secretary has arrived from town with a very large
correspondence which they are now engaged upon.”
“And Mrs. Hilditch?” Francis ventured.
“I have not seen her maid
