"I recognize no right on your part to question me," said Caroline.
She was swayed about by the most extraordinary feelings, prominent amongst which was a sense of acute relief that almost amounted to joy. Whatever Camilla had done, wherever she was, this man at least was not with her. It was impossible for Caroline to try and piece out what probable step the other woman had taken, but at least the degradation of close association with this man was not part of her movements.
Sir Samuel eyed her with suspicion, and yet her quietness, her tired pale face, and that wonderful dignity which sat upon her so naturally, impressed him.
"I don't want to question you," he said surlily, "I only want to see her."
"She is not here," said Caroline.
"Then, where is she? You think I'm lying when I tell you that I came here by appointment; but I tell you that she fixed the hour herself. If you don't believe me, here's her note."
He held out a crumpled piece of paper. Caroline put it on one side, but she could not help seeing the writing, and she knew it only too well.
"If Mrs. Lancing has told you to come here to meet her, then I can say no more."
She moved away to the door, and once again he stood on one side and let her pass.
At that moment they heard the sound of a cab approaching in the street; it pulled up; a moment later the bell rang.