Informed of all that Hugh could tell her relating to his interview with
her husband, Mrs. Vimpany understood and appreciated his fears for the
future. She failed, however, to agree with him that he would do well to
take the journey to France, under present circumstances.
"Wait a little longer in London," she said. "If Iris doesn't write to
me in the next few days there will be a reason for her silence; and in
that case (as I have already told you) I shall hear from Fanny Mere.
You shall see me when I get a letter from Paris."
On the last morning in the week, Mrs. Vimpany was announced. The letter
that she brought with her had been written by Fanny Mere. With the pen
in her hand, the maid's remarkable character expressed itself as
strongly as ever:-"Madam,--I said I would let you know what goes on here, when I thought
there was need of it. There seems to be need now. Mr. Vimpany came to
us yesterday. He has the spare bedroom. My mistress says nothing, and
writes nothing. For that reason, I send you the present writing.--Your
humble servant, F."
Mountjoy was perplexed by this letter, plain as it was.
"It seems strange," he said, "that Iris herself has not written to you.
She has never hitherto concealed her opinion of Mr. Vimpany."
"She is concealing it now," Mr. Vimpany's wife replied gravely.
"Do you know why?"
"I am afraid I do. Iris will not hesitate at any sacrifice of herself
to please Lord Harry. She will give him her money when he wants it. If
he tells her to alter her opinion of my husband, she will obey him. He
can shake her confidence in me, whenever he pleases; and he has very
likely done it already."
"Surely it is time for me to go to her now?" Hugh said.
"Full time," Mrs. Vimpany admitted--"if you can feel sure of yourself.
In the interests of Iris, can you undertake to be cool and careful?"
"In the interests of Iris, I can undertake anything."
"One word more," Mrs. Vimpany continued, "before you take your
departure. No matter whether appearances are for him, or against him,
be always on your guard with my husband. Let me hear from you while you
are away; and don't forget that there is an obstacle between you and
Iris, which will put even your patience and devotion to a hard trial."