“Anna, I swear it!” her sister sobbed.
“Then I will do what I can,” Anna promised. “I believe that you are quite safe. He has had brain fever since, and, as you say, I am more like what you were then than you yourself are now. I don’t think for a moment that he would recognize you.”
Annabel clutched her sister’s hands. The tears were streaming down her face, her voice was thick with sobs.
“Anna, you are the dearest, bravest sister in the world,” she cried. “Oh, I can’t thank you. You dear, dear girl. I—listen.”
They heard a man’s voice outside.
“Sir John!” Annabel gasped.
Anna sprang to her feet and made for the dressing-room door.
“One moment, if you please!”
She stopped short and looked round. Sir John stood upon the threshold.