'Very bad with a headache, please, Sir.'

'Is she at home?'

'Yes, Sir, please.'

'Any message?'

'Yes, Sir, please--a note for you, Sir;' and she produced a note, rather,
indeed, a letter.

'She desired me, Sir, please, to give it into your own hand, if I could,
and not to leave it, please, Sir, unless you were at home when I
reached.'

He read the direction, and dropped it unopened into the pocket of his
shooting coat. The peevish glance with which he eyed it betrayed a
presentiment of something unpleasant.

'Any answer required?'

'No, Sir, please--only to leave it.'

'And Miss Lake is quite well?'

'No, Sir, please--a bad headache to-day.'

'Oh! I'm very sorry, indeed. Tell her so. She is at home, is she?'

'Yes, Sir.'