Third Period Chapter 42 The Mettlesome Maid

On the evening of that day Fanny Mere, entering the dining-room with
the coffee, found Lord Harry and Mr. Vimpany alone, and discovered (as
soon as she opened the door) that they changed the language in which
they were talking from English to French.

She continued to linger in the room, apparently occupied in setting the
various objects on the sideboard in order. Her master was speaking at
the time; he asked if the doctor had succeeded in finding a bed-room
for himself in the neighbourhood. To this Mr. Vimpany replied that he
had got the bed-room. Also, that he had provided himself with something
else, which it was equally important to have at his disposal. "I mean,"
he proceeded, in his bad French, "that I have found a photographic
apparatus on hire. We are ready now for the appearance of our
interesting Danish guest."

"And when the man comes," Lord Harry added, "what am I to say to my
wife? How am I to find an excuse, when she hears of a hospital patient
who has taken possession of your bed-room at the cottage--and has done
it with my permission, and with you to attend on him?"

The doctor sipped his coffee. "We have told a story that has satisfied
the authorities," he said coolly. "Repeat the story to your wife."

"She won't believe it," Lord Harry replied.