When they returned to the parlor they found that Mr. Thorpe had taken his departure.
"A messenger came for him a few minutes after you left us," explained Professor Vane. "He was called to the bedside of a dying woman. He told me that he had been expecting the summons for many days."
"Mrs. Ritchie, I presume," said Mrs. Mayhew. "Poor soul! we cannot regret that the end has come for her at last. She has suffered a great deal."
Mrs. Mayhew sent Mrs. Thorpe home in the carriage, as Mr. Thorpe was not expected until late; he might be away all night.
Mrs. Thorpe explained his absence to Pauline, whom she found awaiting her.
"You are looking very tired, Evelyn; are you ill?" Pauline asked.
"No, Pauline, not ill; only very, very tired. I will go to my room at once."
"Very well; I will hear Maurice when he comes and let him in."
As Mrs. Thorpe arose to go to her room Pauline noticed that she shuddered as though a cold draught had struck her.
"What is it, Evelyn, are you cold?"