Just as the hands of the clock pointed to a quarter to ten there was a knock at the front door. Despard started, and a smile flitted across his thin lips.
She had come after all!
He closed the bedroom door and glanced round the room. There was a little too much light, so he switched off the hanging lamp. He glanced at himself in the mirror, smoothed his hair and straightened his tie.
She had come. He knew, as he noiselessly crossed the hall, that she would not leave his rooms until he had obtained her promise to marry him, or, failing that, until he had obtained a promise more certain of fulfilment.
His fingers trembled a little as he turned the Chubb lock and opened the door.
The woman standing outside entered quickly. Despard closed the door, and, turning, held out his hand.
"I was afraid you were not coming, Marjorie——"
"You have made a mistake. I am not Miss Dale. I am Ruby—Ruby Strode."
Despard's teeth met in his lip. He repressed an oath. "You—what do you want with me?"
He hesitated a moment, then pulled himself together and opened the sitting-room door. Ruby entered and he followed her.