"Hugh!"
Hugh bounded to his feet, blinded by the sudden light, dazed, unbelieving. He put out one hand and touched his father, who had risen at his side.
"Who—who——" he faltered.
"Hugh, it is I."
The torch-flame etched clearly the hooded, muffled figure. Of face and hair there was not a sign. Betrayed once before in this wise, he could scarce trust his ears, scarce dared to credit his tingling senses.
"You—Edith——"
"Yes, it is I, Hugh."
"Who is with you?"
She turned and the light of the torch fell upon the figure of the man behind her who upheld it.
"Ranulphio!" cried Hugh. "Then they have——"