CHAPTER IV
A Strange Message
I guessed in a breath who she was, and my heart went out to her in instant pity. Yet a second glance told me that it was not the shadow of this recent sorrow which lay across her face. Time alone could grave those lines of calm endurance, could give to the eyes that look of quiet resignation, to the mouth that curve of patient suffering; and only a deep spiritual faith could preserve and heighten the sweetness and gentleness of a countenance so marked.
"This is Mr. Lester, Mrs. Lawrence," said our junior, quickly, and placed a chair for her. "We've asked Mr. Lester to help us," he added.
She closed the door behind her and came forward as we rose, acknowledging the introduction with the faintest of bows.
"Thank you," she said. "Lucy told me you had returned, Mr. Royce," she went on, a little tremulously, "and I was anxious to know if you had any news."
"Not yet. Mr. Curtiss was just telling Mr. Lester——"
"Yes," she interrupted, "I saw how he was suffering and I wished to spare him, if I could."
"My dear Mrs. Lawrence," broke in Curtiss, "you must think only of sparing yourself."
"Still," I suggested, "it's possible that Mrs. Lawrence can help us a great deal, if she will."