He did not answer.
A loud knocking at the street door startled them. She ran to the window, and looked out.
"It is Sir Chetsom. Cecil, this instant must decide my fate. Do you reject my love?"
"Believe me, this is a situation——"
"He is coming up stairs. One word—yes, or no?"
He twirled his hat, and sought for an expression which should soften the blow, but could find none. She looked at him with intense eagerness, and reading in his hesitation her worst fears, gave a low heart-breaking sob, and rushed into the other room. In a few seconds the door opened, and the servant announced,—
"Sir Chetsom Chetsom."
Cecil brushed past him with a hurried bow, and made a precipitate retreat.
"What the devil is all this?" muttered the astonished baronet. "Hester not here!"
Hester's maid appeared, and informed him that her mistress would be down immediately, if he would only be good enough to wait.