Ughtred sprang to his feet. He was half asleep and a little dazed—wholly bewildered at the apparition which was suddenly sharing the solitude of his chamber. It was Marie of Reist who stood before him in a wonderful rose-coloured gown tied loosely around her. She was paler than he had ever seen her—her eyes bright with purpose—behind the open panel.
“You bring news,” he cried. “Do you come from Nicholas?”
She shook her head.
“I know nothing of Nicholas,” she answered. “I came to see you.”
He was speechless. Her visit seemed to him amazing, its object an enigma.
“I wished to speak to you alone. Lately it has been impossible. Lock your door.”
He obeyed, but he returned to her with a grave face.
“Marie,” he said, “think for a moment. It is better that I should come to you. To-morrow——”
She interrupted him with an impatient gesture. At that moment the roar of distant artillery was distinctly audible.
“There may be no to-morrow,” she answered. “It is for the sake of Theos I have come. You must hear me.”