It was the butler, in his shirt-sleeves and his enormous apron of ticking, still carrying his trowel in his hand.

He was bewildered, his eyes protruding, while all about him he spread the smell of fresh earth.

At every instant he exclaimed: "What?
What?
What's the matter ?" "Oh, my dear old governor--and all alone!" cried Vandover through shut teeth.
"Oh, oh, the good God!" exclaimed the housekeeper, crossing herself and rolling her eyes.

"And him asking for matches in the little brass box only a minute since.

Oh, the good, kind master!" Suddenly Vandover rushed down the stairs and through the front hall, snatching his hat from the hatrack as he passed.