I
MIZZI was there on the platform--a calm, exquisite Mizzi, who seemed to
have grown more serene than ever during the five years since I had last
seen her. "I knew you would come," she said, pressing my hand, and the
accent was better--oh, _much_ better. She led me out of the station
without saying a word except to hope that I had had a good journey.
Then, in the station-yard, she gave the porter a few business-like
directions about my hand-luggage, and find imperiously prevented me from
summoning a cab. I soon saw the reason why. It came in the form of a
smart motor equipage to seat six or eight passengers and emblazoned in
gold letters on a blue background, "Hotel London." "You see," said
Mizzi, as the chauffeur opened the door for us, "I haf got my
omnibus...." Not till we were speeding along the sunlit boulevard did
she mention Terry. And then she whispered: "Ever since I sent my
telegraph I haf been wondering whether you will be angry.
"Why?"
She said: "I sent it because--because I felt I _must_ send it. But
you--when you see him--you may think I haf brought you here on--what you
call it?--a fool's errand?"
"But why?"
The car swerved round a corner and she almost fell into my arms. "When
you see him," she said, "you may say to me, 'He iss not ill at all....'
But--we cannot talk about it here.... In a few moments you will haf
breakfast with me, and I will explain everything."
"But surely--if we go to your place--Terry will see us?"
"No. He does not know you are coming. You must tell him that you haf
come here on some business.... And also, he will be at hiss work by
now--he goes very early in the morning."
"He's well enough to go to work, then?"
She shrugged her shoulders, and answered: "That iss what I thought you
would say. I am sure you will be very angry with me.... But wait--wait
till I haf explained...."