“Oh, so here you are at last,” said William, coming towards her. “I expected you an hour ago.”
“The new servant was late, and I couldn’t leave before she came.”
“Never mind; glad you’ve come.”
Esther felt that the little man was staring hard at her. He was John
Randal, or Mr. Leopold, as they used to call him at Barfield.
Mr. Leopold shook hands with Esther, and he muttered a “Glad to see you again,” But it was the welcome of a man who regards a woman’s presence as an intrusion, and Esther understood the quiet contempt with which he looked at William. “Can’t keep away from them,” his face said for one brief moment. William asked Esther what she’d take to drink, and Mr. Leopold looked at his watch and said he must be getting home.
“Try to come round to-morrow night if you’ve an hour t
