His eyebrows suddenly stood
out in a ridge. His sallow skin could not become more pallid; to show
emotion he flushed a swarthy red. Beyond the involuntary exclamation in
his own language, he could not find words.
"Yes," explained the smiling Brett, "he is a near relative of yours by
marriage. We were told by the lodge-keeper that Mrs. Capella was
indisposed, but under the circumstances we felt assured that she would
receive her cousin--unless, that is, she is seriously ill."
"It is an unexpected pleasure, this visit."
Capella replied to the barrister, but looked at Hume. He had an unpleasant
habit of parting his lips closely to his teeth, like the silent snarl of a
dog.
"Undoubtedly. We both apologise for not having prepared you."
Brett's smooth, even voice seemed to exasperate the other, who continued
to block the library window in uncompromising manner.
"And you, sir. May I ask who you are?"
"My name is Brett, Reginald Brett, a friend of Mr. Hume's--who, I may
mention, does not use his full surname at present."
The Italian was compelled to turn his glittering eyes upon the man who
addressed him so glibly.
"I am sorry," he said slowly, "but Mrs. Capella is too unwell to meet
either of you to-day."
"Ah! We share your regrets. Nevertheless, as a preliminary to our purpose,
you will serve our needs equally well.
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