"An excellent plan. Well, you shall have my hearty co-operation. If there is anything else—"
An aide-de-camp came in at this moment and whispered a few words in his general's ear.
"What! on shore? Here in the Convent, too? Poor soul! of course we will see her. Let some one tell Lady Drummond. Forgive me, Mr. McKay: a lady has just called whom I am bound by every principle of courtesy, consideration, and compassion to see at once. Perhaps you will return later?"
McKay bowed and passed out into the antechamber. On the threshold he met Mrs. Wilders face to face.
"You—!" she gasped out, but instantly checked the exclamation of chagrin and dismay that rose to her lips.
"You hardly expected to see me, perhaps; but I was miraculously saved."
McKay spoke slowly, and the delay gave Mrs. Wilders time to collect herself.
"I am most thankful. It has lifted a load off my mind. I feared you were lost."
"Yes; the sea seldom gives up its prey. But enough about myself. You are going in to see the general, I think; do not let me detain you."