The Mission of Poubalov — page 20: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

16 AN EXPLANATION SUGGESTED, on the way to Ashburton Place, for they were oppressed with forebodings, and the consciousness that they had nothing upon which to base speculation. Once Ralph exclaimed desperately, ‘‘What can have hhappened!’’ and Paul answered, ‘‘He must have fallen violently ill.’’ Both hoped that this might be the case, and neither believed it. Mrs. White knew them both, for they were frequent callers upon her lodger, and her sur- prise, therefore, passed all bounds when she met them at the door and heard them ask as with one voice, ‘‘Where is Strobel?’’ ‘‘Where?’’ she repeated, ‘‘where should he be? Haven't you seen him?’’ ‘‘No,’’ replied Ralph, “he did not come to the church, and the rector dismissed the congregation.’’ Mrs. White threw up her hands and sank into a chair, ‘*‘Why—why—”’ she stammered, ‘‘he left here all dressed and gay as could be.’’ ‘*Did he seem quite well?’’ asked Paul. The good lady remembered her surprise and disacmelae ment at finding Ivan’s eggs unbroken, his breakfast almost untasted and she told the young men about it. “That signifies nothing,’’ said Paul; ‘‘I don’t wonder he didn’t care to eat. Did he appear to be troubled about anything?’’ ‘‘Not when he went away,’’ answered Mrs. White; ‘‘I thought he seemed put out when the strange gentleman called.’’ ‘*There we have it!’’ exclaimed Paul, eagerly. ‘*‘Who was the caller and what was his business, if you happen to know?’’ ‘*] don’t know either. I never saw the gentleman be- fore. He was here only a few minutes. He sent up his card, and though I looked at the name, I couldn’t remem- — ber it, for it had a strange look, something like yours.”’ **May we go to his room? The card may still be there.’’ **T don’t think it is,’’ said Mrs. White, risinp +72, hia