"Can I see Mademoiselle de Gramont?"
"Whom, sir?"
"The young lady who accompanies Lady Vivian."
"She is with Lady Vivian; but I will take your card, sir."
Maurice had no alternative and handed his card.
"Say that I earnestly beg to see her for a few moments."
Did he imagine that human machine could deliver a message which conveyed the suggestion that any one very earnestly desired anything in creation?
The viscount was ushered into the drawing-room. A long interval, or one Maurice thought long, elapsed before the messenger returned.
"The ladies will be happy to see you, sir, to-morrow, at two o'clock."
Another night and another morning to struggle through, haunted by the murderous desire of killing that which could never be restored,—time! But here, at least, was a definite appointment,—a fixed period when he should certainly see Madeleine; this was a great step gained.