The maid opened the door. Mr. Vimpany's heavy hand laid bold of her
arm, pulled her over the threshold, and closed the door behind her.
After a brief absence, Fanny returned with news of my lord.
A commissioner had arrived with a message for the doctor; and Fanny was
charged to repeat it or not, just as she thought right under the
circumstances. Lord Harry was in Paris. He had been invited to go to
the theatre with some friends, and to return with them to supper. If he
was late in getting home, he was anxious that my lady should not be
made uneasy. After having authorised Mr. Vimpany's interference in the
garden, the husband evidently had his motives for avoiding another
interview with the wife. Iris was left alone, to think over that
discovery. Fanny had received orders to prepare the bedroom for the
doctor's patient.