"I will ask," answered the officer, and he went downstairs to the cabin, from which he soon reascended with the news that they could go down.
Dowker went first, followed by Norwood and Sir Rupert, all feeling in a strange state of excitement at the prospect of the coming interview.
The cabin was small, but luxuriously fitted up in pale blue silk, and the walls panelled in oak, with small medallions of seascapes around. A lamp hanging from the ceiling shed a soft mellow light over all, and on the table below was a work-basket and some embroidery.
"She has been working, I see," whispered Balscombe with a sneer as they entered into the cabin. No one was present, but suddenly they heard the rustle of a dress, and a curtain at the end of the cabin parted admitting a woman--a tall fair faced woman, with shining golden hair.
At this sight Norwood and Dowker turned to look on Sir Rupert, to watch the effect of the sight of his wife on him, when they saw he was pale as death and had made a step forward.
"You wish to see me?" asked the lady, advancing towards the group.
"You--you----" cried Sir Rupert in a choked voice. "You are not Lady Balscombe."
"I!" in surprise. "No!--I am not Lady Balscombe."
Dowker and Norwood turned suddenly.
"Who are you?"