I Say No

by Wilkie Collins

  CHAPTER LX. OUTSIDE THE ROOM.

  Emily found Mirabel in the waiting room at Belford. Her suddenappearance might well have amazed him; but his face expressed a moreserious emotion than surprise--he looked at her as if she had alarmedhim.

  "Didn't you get my message?" he asked. "I told the groom I wished youto wait for my return. I sent a note to my sister, in case he made anymistake."

  "The man made no mistake," Emily answered. "I was in too great a hurryto be able to speak with Mrs. Delvin. Did you really suppose I couldendure the suspense of waiting till you came back? Do you think I can beof no use--I who know Mrs. Rook?"

  "They won't let you see her."

  "Why not? _You_ seem to be waiting to see her."

  "I am waiting for the return of the rector of Belford. He is at Berwick;and he has been sent for at Mrs. Rook's urgent request."

  "Is she dying?"

  "She is in fear of death--whether rightly or wrongly, I don't know.There is some internal injury from the fall. I hope to see her when therector returns. As a brother clergyman, I may with perfect proprietyask him to use his influence in my favor."

  "I am glad to find you so eager about it."

  "I am always eager in your interests."

  "Don't think me ungrateful," Emily replied gently. "I am no stranger toMrs. Rook; and, if I send in my name, I may be able to see her beforethe clergyman returns."

  She stopped. Mirabel suddenly moved so as to place himself between herand the door. "I must really beg of you to give up that idea," he said;"you don't know what horrid sight you may see--what dreadful agonies ofpain this unhappy woman may be suffering."

  His manner suggested to Emily that he might be acting under some motivewhich he was unwilling to acknowledge. "If you have a reason for wishingthat I should keep away from Mrs. Rook," she said, "let me hear what itis. Surely we trust each other? I have done my best to set the example,at any rate."

  Mirabel seemed to be at a loss for a reply.

  While he was hesitating, the station-master passed the door. Emily askedhim to direct her to the house in which Mrs. Rook had been received. Heled the way to the end of the platform, and pointed to the house. Emilyand Mrs. Ellmother immediately left the station. Mirabel accompaniedthem, still remonstrating, still raising obstacles.

  The house door was opened by an old man. He looked reproachfully atMirabel. "You have been told already," he said, "that no strangers areto see my wife?"

  Encouraged by discovering that the man was Mr. Rook, Emily mentioned hername. "Perhaps you may have heard Mrs. Rook speak of me," she added.

  "I've heard her speak of you oftentimes."

  "What does the doctor say?"

  "He thinks she may get over it. She doesn't believe him."

  "Will you say that I am anxious to see her, if she feels well enough toreceive me?"

  Mr. Rook looked at Mrs. Ellmother. "Are there two of you wanting to goupstairs?" he inquired.

  "This is my old friend and servant," Emily answered. "She will wait forme down here."

  "She can wait in the parlor; the good people of this house are wellknown to me." He pointed to the parlor door--and then led the way to thefirst floor. Emily followed him. Mirabel, as obstinate as ever, followedEmily.

  Mr. Rook opened a door at the end of the landing; and, turning round tospeak to Emily, noticed Mirabel standing behind her. Without makingany remarks, the old man pointed significantly down the stairs. Hisresolution was evidently immovable. Mirabel appealed to Emily to helphim.

  "She will see me, if _you_ ask her," he said, "Let me wait here?"

  The sound of his voice was instantly followed by a cry from thebed-chamber--a cry of terror.

  Mr. Rook hurried into the room, and closed the door. In less than aminute, he opened it again, with doubt and horror plainly visible in hisface. He stepped up to Mirabel--eyed him with the closest scrutiny--anddrew back again with a look of relief.

  "She's wrong," he said; "you are not the man."

  This strange proceeding startled Emily.

  "What man do you mean?" she asked.

  Mr. Rook took no notice of the question. Still looking at Mirabel,he pointed down the stairs once more. With vacant eyes--movingmechanically, like a sleep-walker in his dream--Mirabel silently obeyed.Mr. Rook turned to Emily.

  "Are you easily frightened?" he said

  "I don't understand you," Emily replied. "Who is going to frighten me?Why did you speak to Mr. Mirabel in that strange way?"

  Mr. Rook looked toward the bedroom door. "Maybe you'll hear why, insidethere. If I could have my way, you shouldn't see her--but she's not tobe reasoned with. A caution, miss. Don't be too ready to believe whatmy wife may say to you. She's had a fright." He opened the door. "In mybelief," he whispered, "she's off her head."

  Emily crossed the threshold. Mr. Rook softly closed the door behind her.