Before Sophia could win back his attention to herself, Young John, with his pipe in his mouth, appeared at a turn in the path. The Doctor took her leave in depressed spirits.
Otto hesitated about giving up the garden-party. It was only on the next day that he decided on staying at home. He wrote his excuses to Salome.
In the meanwhile Young John advanced lazily towards the summer-house, and discovered his sister in ambush at the back of the building. Sour Bess was in such a state of excitement that she actually forgot her quarrel with her brother. 'I've heard every word they said to each other!' she burst out. 'That hateful wretch is sweet on Otto, and means to make him marry her. Oh, Johnny! how can I stop it? Who can I speak to first?'
Young John's sympathy with his sister -- when she happened to be in an especially malicious mood -- expressed itself in a broad grin. United by their mutual interest in making mischief, these amiable young people met, in reconciliation, on common ground. 'It's no use speaking to Otto,' Johnny remarked, 'he's such a fool. And, as for my father, he'd sooner believe Pillico than either of us. The girl next door is fond of Otto. How would it be if you told her?'
Bess refused even to consider the suggestion. 'No,' she said, 'it might be doing a service to Salome, and we are not on speaking terms.'
Young John, under these circumstances, counselled patience. 'Don't throw away a good chance, Bess, by being in a hurry. It won't hurt to wait for Skirton's garden-party. Miss Pillico will be there; she'll give you another opportunity.'
Bess was struck by his last suggestion. 'I didn't intend to go to the party,' she said. 'You're quite right; I'll accept the invitation.'
VIII The servant who had delivered Otto's written excuses came back with a message. His letter would be given to Miss Salome on her return from Windsor.
This announcement at once proved Mrs Crossmichael's calculations to be correct. Otto was at no loss to interpret the meaning of Salome's absence at Windsor. She was visiting the mother of his rival, at a time when her son was staying in the house. In other words, she was indirectly encouraging a man who was reported to have already made her an unsuccessful offer of marriage, and to be prepared to try again. Otto sent the servant back to ascertain the exact time at which Miss Salome was expected to return. The reply informed him that she was to travel by an early train, and that she would be at home on the morning of the garden-party by twelve o'clock. A second letter was thereupon despatched, asking for an interview soon after that time. Jealousy had determined Otto to take the gloomiest view of the state of his heart. Instead of asking Salome to make loving allowance for the formidable revelations of the stethoscope, he proposed to retire from the field in favour of the 'fortunate gentleman whom she preferred.' Such was the vindictive feeling with which this otherwise inoffensive young man regarded his sweetheart's visit to Windsor; and so had Mrs Crossmichael's clever calculations defeated themselves.
At two o'clock on the day of the party, Salome's devoted sister performed her promise.
She and her husband arrived, to occupy the room which was always reserved for them in Mr Skirton's house. Asking at once for her sister, she was informed that Salome was behaving very strangely; she had locked herself up in her room, and would open the door to nobody. Mrs Crossmichael applied for admission, with the energy peculiar to herself. 'You know that my husband invariably obeys my orders, and that he is one of the biggest men in England. If you don't let me in, I shall call him up, and say, Burst open that door.' Salome gave way. Her eyes were red, her cheeks were stained with tears. 'You're the worst enemy I have!' she cried passionately, as her sister entered the room; 'I'll never forgive you for sending me to Windsor.'
'A row with Otto?' Mrs Crossmichael asked quietly.
'Otto has given me up! Otto leave the other man (whom I hate and detest) free to marry me! That's what comes of taking your advice.'
Mrs Crossmichael preserved her temper. 'Had he any other reason to give,' she continued, 'besides jealousy of the other man? If that was his only motive, you will have reason to be grateful to me, Salome, as long as you live.'
'He had another reason -- a dreadful reason -- a mysterious reason. Marriage is forbidden to him. And, when I wanted to know why, he looked the picture of despair, and said, "Ask no more!"'
'Is he coming to the party?'
'Of course not!'
'What's his excuse?'
'Ill-health.'
'Wait here, Salome, till I come back.'
Mrs Crossmichael immediately presented herself at the next house. Mr Fitzmark was not well enough to see her. the message was positive; and the wooden-faced valet was impenetrable. Not daunted yet, the obstinate visitor asked for Miss Pillico. Miss Pillico was not in the house. Mrs Crossmichael returned, defeated, but not discouraged yet.
She appeared to be quite satisfied when Salome told her that the fair physician would be present at the garden-party.