At length she rose, and walked into their adjoining
apartment, but to her surprise Venetia was not there. Returning to her
saloon, she found Pauncefort and the waiter arranging the table for
dinner.
'Where is Miss Herbert, Pauncefort?' inquired Lady Annabel.
'I am sure, my lady, I cannot say. I have no doubt she is in the other
room.'
'She is not there, for I have just quitted it,' replied Lady Annabel.
'How very strange! You have not seen the signora?' inquired Lady
Annabel of the waiter.
'The signora is in the room with the gentleman.'
'The gentleman!' exclaimed Lady Annabel. 'Tell me, good man, what do
you mean? I am inquiring for my daughter.'
'I know well the signora is talking of her daughter,' replied the
waiter.
'But do you know my daughter by sight? Surely you you must mean some
one else.'
'Do I know the signora's daughter?' said the waiter. 'The beautiful
young lady, with hair like Santa Marguerita, in the church of the Holy
Trinity! I tell the signora, I saw her carried into numero 4, in the
arms of the Signor Forestiere, who arrived this morning.'
'Venetia is ill,' said Lady Annabel. 'Show me to the room, my friend.'
Lady Annabel accordingly, with a hurried step, following her guide,
quitted the chamber.
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