CHAPTER XV
THE RED SIGNET RING
The few minutes which followed inspired Arnold with an admiration for his companion which he never wholly lost. Sabatini recognized in a moment his sister's state, but he did no more than shrug his shoulders.
"My dear Fenella!" he said, in a tone of gentle reproof.
"You haven't heard?" she gasped.
Sabatini drew out a chair and seated himself. He glanced around at the house and then began slowly to unbutton his white kid gloves.
"I did not buy an evening paper," he remarked. "Your face tells me the news, of course. I gather that Starling has been arrested."
"He was arrested at five o'clock!" she exclaimed. "He will be charged before the magistrates to-morrow."
"Then to-morrow," Sabatini continued calmly, "will be quite time enough for you to begin to worry."
She looked at him for a moment steadfastly. She had ceased to tremble now and her own appearance was becoming more natural.