“What has happened?” cried Cora, holding her hand to her head, and staring wildly round till her eyes lighted upon the broken chaise. “Oh!”
She said no more, but struggled to her feet, turned giddy, and would have fallen, had not Mellersh caught her arm and supported her.
It was evident that she had realised her position in that one glance, and she seemed to shudder slightly. At the end of a few minutes, though, she recovered, and, shrinking from Mellersh, she looked round.
“Give me that cloak,” she said calmly. “It is cold.”
Linnell, who was half-stunned by the discovery, hurriedly stooped and picked up the cloak, spreading it rather clumsily and placing it upon her shoulders.
“Thank you,” she said coldly; and there was an awkward pause, during which Mellersh walked to and fro with the look of a caged wild beast.
“Well?” said Cora suddenly. “Why are we waiting, Colonel Mellersh? Will you kindly see me home?”
“See you home?” he replied.
“Where is that man—Major Rockley?” cried Cora hastily.
“I am afraid he is incapacitated for further service, Miss Dean,” said Mellersh coldly. “The accident has prevented him from carrying out—shall I say your wishes?”