Strange Story, a — Volume 03 by Baron Edward Bulwer Lytton Lytton
page 24 of 75 (32%)
page 24 of 75 (32%)
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Ashleigh's letters were more general and diffusive,--detailed the habits
of the household, sketched the guests, intimated her continued fear of Lady Haughton, but had said nothing more of Mr. Ashleigh Sumner than I had repeated to Mrs. Poyntz. However, in my letter to Lilian I related the intelligence that had reached me, and impatiently I awaited her reply. Three days after the interview with Mrs. Poyntz, and two days before the long-anticipated event of the mayor's ball, I was summoned to attend a nobleman who had lately been added to my list of patients, and whose residence was about twelve miles from L----. The nearest way was through Sir Philip Derval's park. I went on horseback, and proposed to stop on the way to inquire after the steward, whom I had seen but once since his fit, and that was two days after it, when he called himself at my house to thank me for my attendance, and to declare that he was quite recovered. As I rode somewhat fast through the park, I came, however, upon the steward, just in front of the house. I reined in my horse and accosted him. He looked very cheerful. "Sir," said he, in a whisper, "I have heard from Sir Philip; his letter is dated since--since-my good woman told you what I saw,--well, since then. So that it must have been all a delusion of mine, as you told her. And yet, well--well--we will not talk of it, doctor; but I hope you have kept the secret. Sir Philip would not like to hear of it, if he comes back." "Your secret is quite safe with me. But is Sir Philip likely to come back?" "I hope so, doctor. His letter is dated Paris, and that's nearer home than he has been for many years; and--but bless me! some one is coming |
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