Back of the library was a recess from which sprang a graceful stairway to the floor above. It was lit by panels of jewelled glass. Crowning the newel post was an electric flambeau. As the butler left the room a beautiful woman entered from the main hall and stood by the stairway, looking quietly but nervously about. The light from the flambeau lit up a face so colorless, so bloodless that it seemed almost transparent. Out of the whiteness, crowned with glowing auburn hair, shone lustrous agate eyes, hard, brilliant, with sensuous lights beneath the surface. She had entered the room and looked about before Lady Winifred was aware of her presence. Then she stole down rapidly but softly to the side of the elder woman and said:
"Well, have you seen him?"
"Why, I thought you were dining with Lord Yester at the Carlton."
"So I was," assented the other, pulling nervously at her gloves.
"And going to the theatre afterward?"
"I couldn't sit still in the theatre. Even the thought of it upset me. You have seen him?"
"Hal? Why, of course."
"What does he say?"
"About what?"
"About me."