XXII.
Goldwin was the recipient of the two telegrams. He went first (being driven rapidly in a cab from his Wall Street place of business) to the house of Mrs. Diggs.
He remained with her for at least two hours. It was now somewhat late in the afternoon. He dined at his club, and by eight o'clock in the evening was ringing the bell of Mrs. Lee's residence.
She was alone, and received him with a freezing manner. "At last you are here," she said.
"At last," he replied, with careless ambiguity, throwing himself into an arm-chair, and looking straight at a very comfortable wood-fire that blazed not far off.
"Did you receive my telegram?"
"I did."
"In time to come to me when it entreated you to come?"
"I received it this afternoon. I have been prevented from making my appearance until now."