CHAPTER XIII
THE QUALITY OF MERCY
Within the great house there was silence, for the vistas of the wide interior led far back from the street and its tumult; nor did there arise within the walls any sound of voice or footfall. Of the entire household there was but one left to do the master service.
They entered the great hall, passed the foot of the wide stairway, and turned at the first entresol, where were seats and couches. The servant paused for a moment and looked inquiringly at the lady with whom he now found himself in company.
"The times are serious," he began. "I would not intrude, Madame, yet perhaps you are aware—"
"I am a friend of monsieur," replied Lady Catharine. "He is ill. See, he is not himself. Tell me, what is this illness?"
"Madame," said the Swiss, gravely, "his illness is that of grief. Monsieur's failure sits heavily upon him."
