"Quite so, madam!" Billings was deftly removing the wet garment. "Up in the music-room, if you please, madam."
She suffered his ministrations in silence; only as he turned to lead the way she shivered suddenly and uncontrollably.
She followed him up the dim hall. They approached the rose-lit statue. Her eyes were drawn to it. She stopped as though involuntarily, stopped and caught her breath as if in sudden surprise or dismay. Then quickly she passed on.
They ascended the grand staircase in solemn procession, and reached the music-room door.
Again Billings stood back for her to enter, but when she had done so, he closed the door, remaining within.
The great room was dim and shadowy, heavy with some mysterious Eastern fragrance that hung in the air like incense. It was lighted by two red fires that burned without flame and a red-shaded lamp that shed a mysterious arc of light far away by the piano.
There was a small table by the further fire, and on this a silver coffee-pot hissed over a spirit-lamp. A low divan--so low that it looked a mere pile of luxurious cushions--stood invitingly close. Billings deferentially led the way thither.
"If you will be pleased to take a seat, madam," he said. "His lordship will not keep you waiting long."
"Is he out?" Maud asked quickly.
"He has been out, madam. He came in wet through and is changing. He begged very particularly that you would drink a cup of coffee while you awaited him."