The Jewelled Snuff Box Read Online Free Page A

tell you, you will think me mad!”
    He paused, and made a visible effort to control himself. When he spoke again his tone was quieter.
    “Miss Spencer, I cannot even remember my own name.”

 
    Chapter III. A Bargain Is Struck
     
    SHE STARTED involuntarily.
    “You see!” he cried. “You do think me mad!”
    “Not at all.” She put a restraining hand upon his arm, drawing him down into a chair. “You must remember that you have had a shock, sir. Such things may cause some odd results, but for a time only. A few more hours, and you will recollect everything.”
    He put a hand over her wrist, as though seeking support.
    “You may be right — you must be right! But suppose it is not hours, but days — even weeks — before I recover my memory? What am I to do meanwhile, with no money in my pockets, nothing to tell me who I am — not knowing where to go?”
    “I wish you will not worry,” said Jane, firmly. “I am convinced that you will recollect these things in time; but worry is the last thing that will help you to a speedy recovery.”
    “You are right,” he said, releasing her wrist. “Forgive my sudden outburst — perhaps I do need food, after all. But I think you said that there is a crowd of people in this inn — how am I to avoid them? For I never felt less like company, and depend upon it, if they get wind of my state, they will stare at me as though I were some freak from Astley’s circus!”
    “Do not concern yourself on that score. I fancy I can persuade the landlord’s wife to serve you with some breakfast in the parlour,” said Jane, moving towards the door.
    “I thrust you will honour me with your company?” he asked, rising to his feet.
    Jane coloured a little, “I do not know — that is to say —”
    “You are thinking that it would not be proper,” he said, eyeing her shrewdly.
    “Perhaps it is wrong of me to ask it, but I implore you, Miss Spencer, not to leave me to myself at the present time. I cannot explain to you how I feel — it is like some ghastly nightmare — as though I had suddenly found myself completely alone in an alien world. You are my only link with reality until I recover my memory.”
    “Of course I understand,” said Jane softly. “I won’t leave you, I promise — or, at least, no longer than it takes to arrange matters with the landlady.”
    He gave her a grateful glance, then passed his hand thoughtfully over his chin.
    “Perhaps, after all, I’d better interview yon dragon of a woman myself,” he said, with a faint smile. “I am in no case to breakfast with a lady until I have managed to rid myself of this incipient beard.”
    It was the first remark he had made which showed a disposition to take the situation lightly. Jane sighed with relief. He was indeed in a most awkward predicament, but she felt assured that time would make all come right. It was unfortunate that there had been no possibility of bringing a doctor to him last night. He looked far from well; signs of strain showed round his eyes and in his pallid cheeks, while his manner varied between deep depression and wildness.
    “I should think the landlord would be more to the purpose,” she answered. “Besides, he is a more easy person than his wife. Shall I send him to you in the parlour? I advise you to retire there if you wish to avoid my fellow passengers, for they must soon be astir.”
    He hesitated. “It is infamous that you should have to wait on me!”
    Jane smiled. “Think no more of it. I am quite used to be busy, and am only too glad if I may be of assistance.”
    “You are an angel!” he said impetuously.
    She coloured, and whisked quickly from the room.
    For some little time now, she had heard vague sounds of activity about the inn, and guessed that the household was astir. She found the landlady in the kitchen, busy rating the kitchenmaid for not pulling the fire up faster. Jane earned the girl’s gratitude by interrupting her mistress’s homily to inquire if