Her countenance suddenly changed. Her voice sank to at whisper as she inquired:
"Who is with you?"
Dropping his voice to the low tone of hers, Ishmael answered:
"Mr. Brudenell."
The countess snatched her hand from his grasp, threw herself into the nearest chair, covered her face with her hands, and so remained for several minutes. At last Ishmael approached and leaned over her, and, speaking in a subdued and gentle voice, said:
"This visit is not wholly unexpected, Lady Hurstmonceux?"
"No, no, Mr. Worth," she murmured, without removing the shield of her hands.
"Nor unwelcome, I hope?"
"No, oh, no!" she said, dropping her hands now and looking up, pale, and faintly smiling.
"You will see him then?" said Ishmael, speaking, as he had spoken throughout the interview, in a low, gentle tone.