She thought some one knocked softly at the door; she started in her chair and dropped the book, while her hand went up to her throat to gather the silk folds and hide the lace underneath. She could not speak.
Another knock, quite distinct this time, and followed by a question in her husband’s voice.
‘May I come in?’
An instant’s pause, and she closed her eyes to say two words.
‘Come in.’
PART II
THE COUNTESS OF MONTALTO