Third Period Chapter 28 The Maid and the Keyhole

Deeply as she had grieved him, keenly as he felt that his worst fears
for her threatened already to be realised, it was characteristic of
Mountjoy that he still refused to despair of Iris--even with the
husband's influence against him.

The moral deterioration of her, revealed in the false words that she
had spoken, and in the deceptions that she had attempted, would have
justified the saddest misgivings, but for the voluntary confession
which had followed, and the signs which it had shown of the better
nature still struggling to assert itself. How could Hugh hope to
encourage that effort of resistance to the evil influences that were
threatening her--first and foremost, among them, being the arrival of
Vimpany at the cottage? His presence kept her in a state of perpetual
contention, between her own wise instincts which distrusted him, and
her husband's authoritative assertions which recommended him to her
confidence. No greater service could be rendered to Iris than the
removal of this man--but how could it be accomplished, without giving
offence to her husband? Mountjoy's mind was still in search of a means
of overcoming the obstacle thus presented, when he heard the door open.
Had Iris recovered herself? or had Lord Harry and his friend returned?

The person who now entered the room was the strange and silent maid,
Fanny Mere.

"Can I speak to you, sir?"

"Certainly. What is it?"

"Please give me your address."