The man who took his hat and coat had evidently received special instructions.
"Mr. Foley is engaged with his secretary, sir," he said. "A messenger has just arrived from abroad. Will you come this way?"
He was taken to Elisabeth's little room. She was there waiting for him.
Directly she rose, he knew why he had kept away.
"Are you not a little ashamed of yourself, Mr. Maraton?" she asked, as the door was closed behind the departing servant.
"On the contrary," he replied, "I am proud."
She laughed at him, naturally at first, but with a note of self-consciousness following swiftly, as she realised the significance of his words.
"How foolish! Really, I know it is only a subterfuge to avoid being scolded. Sit down, won't you? You will have to wait at least ten minutes for luncheon."
They looked at one another. He took up a volume of poems from the small table by his side and put it down again.
"Well?" she asked.
"You have conquered," he declared. "You see, I came down to earth."