Stephen called a hansom, and they were rattled away to the Albany.
As they ascended the stairs, Stephen laid his hand on Jack’s arm.
“Jack, I am sorry to say I have bad news for you. You will be calm.”
“Bad news!” said Jack, and his heart stood still. “What is it? Una——”
“Yes,” said Stephen; “it is about Una. You will be calm, my dear Jack?”
Jack leaned against the balustrade and drew a long breath.
“Is she ill—dead?” he gasped.
“Neither,” said Stephen. “Come, be a man.”
“I am ready,” said Jack. “If she is neither ill nor dead I can bear anything else.”
Stephen opened the door, and Jack, entering, saw Gideon Rolfe standing on the hearthrug.