Читать книгу The Man Inside онлайн

27 страница из 64

“Fugi says the messenger boy is waiting for an answer, Mademoiselle.”

Eleanor tore it open and read the hastily scrawled lines.

Dear Eleanor:

I suppose you have been told of last night’s terrible tragedy. Cynthia is prostrated. She begs pitifully to see you. Can you come to us for a few days? Your presence will help us both.

Affectionately,

Charlotte Winthrop.

Eleanor read the note several times, then walked thoughtfully over to her desk.

Dearest Mrs. Winthrop: [she wrote] It is awful. I will come as soon as possible.

Devotedly,

Eleanor.

“Give this to Fugi, Annette, then come back and pack my small steamer trunk,” as the maid hastened out of the room; she picked up a silk waist preparatory to putting it on, but her toilette was doomed to another interruption.

“Well, my dear, may I come in?” asked a pleasant voice from the doorway.

“Indeed you may, Cousin Kate,” Eleanor stepped across the room and kissed the older woman affectionately. Mrs. Truxton’s ruddy face lighted with an affectionate smile as she returned her greeting. She did not altogether approve of her young cousin, many of her “foreign ways” as she termed it, offended her, but Eleanor’s lovable disposition had won a warm place in her regard.