The Blue Diamond by Annie Haynes Read Free Book Online

to have met her on the way or seen her come into the park. We can’t see daylight in it—not Sir Arthur or any of us,” concluded Minnie breathlessly.
    The nurse bit her lips nervously and glanced at the closed door behind her.
    â€œMinnie, it is in this way—if nobody else has seen that young lady before, I believe I have,” she whispered. “Now you know that I must see her ladyship to-night and why.”
    Minnie’s eyes opened to their fullest extent.
    â€œYou don’t mean it, nurse! Are you sure?”
    â€œSure enough!” the nurse replied with a significant nod. “We come across many folk, do we nurses, and little think how we shall see them again, some of them.”
    â€œBut where did you see her? Do you know who she is?” asked Minnie.
    â€œI don’t know who she is, any more than you do yourself, but I may know what will lead to its being found out!’ the nurse replied enigmatically. “That will do, Minnie—the rest is for her ladyship’s ear only. Now, can you get a message to her? Tell her Nurse Marston must speak to her, and alone, to-night.”
    â€œI don’t quite see how it is to be managed,” debated Minnie slowly, “but I will do my best. I’ll speak to Mr. Jenkins—or perhaps it would be better if you wrote a bit of a note, nurse, so as to let Mr. Jenkins give it to her ladyship.”
    Nurse Marston hesitated a moment; then she tore a leaf from the notebook hanging at her side, and, after hastily scribbling a line or two, folded it up and handed it to the girl.
    â€œThere, if you can get that to her!” she said.
    â€œI will try. And—and”—Minnie detained her—“won’t you tell me a bit more, nurse?” wheedlingly.
    â€œNot a word!” said the nurse positively. “I dare say I’ve said more than I ought now.”
    â€œBut—”
    With her finger on her lips to enjoin silence, and with a farewell nod, the nurse turned the door-handle and slipped quietly into her patient’s room.
    Minnie went slowly down the passage, stopping a moment to peep over the banisters and get a glimpse of the gaily-attired ladies who were passing through the hall below before she made her way to the backstairs to perform Nurse Marston’s errand.
    With the note in her hand she tapped lightly at the door of the housekeeper’s room, blushing as she caught the sound of voices and saw a man standing with his back to her when she entered.
    â€œI’ve come with a message from the nurse to her ladyship. Could you send it to her, do you think, Mrs. Parkyns?” holding it out.
    The housekeeper looked important.
    â€œWell, I think I might take it on myself, seeing it is marked ‘Immediate.’ You wait a minute, Minnie. I will speak to Mr. Jenkins.”
    She bustled off and Minnie was left tête-à-tête with her sweetheart.
    Mr. Gregory was distinctly inclined to make the most of his opportunity; he caught hold of Minnie round the waist with both hands before the girl had time to raise any objection.
    â€œWell, and what have you been doing with yourself all day, Minnie?” he said. “Not talking to Mr. Thomas Greyson, I hope?”
    Minnie raised her eyes reproachfully.
    â€œJim, how can you? As if I should! I have been sitting with the poor young lady they found in the park last night for the biggest part of the day.”
    Gregory held her from him at arm’s length.
    â€œThat’s why your eyes look heavy,” he declared. “I can’t have you put upon. What is the good of that fine nursing madam that I saw talking for a good half-hour to Mr. Garth Davenant in the avenue this afternoon if she can’t look after the lady herself?”
    â€œOh, I haven’t had anything to do since Nurse Marston came—” Minnie was beginning.
    Gregory interrupted her, his eyes regarding her keenly from beneath his narrowed