But, as he spoke, the sound of a powerful animal trotting very rapidly became distinctly audible.
“It has come—the evil news—and she has brought it.”
“Rubbish, dear; somebody to see your father, no doubt.”
A minute elapsed, and then Mrs. Jakes, now the only servant in the house, was heard shuffling along the passage, followed by a firm, light step.
“Don’t leave me,” said Angela to Mr. Fraser. “God give me strength to bear it,” she went on, beneath her breath. She was still standing staring vacantly towards the door, pale, and her bosom heaving. The intensity of her anxiety had to some extent communicated itself to Mr. Fraser, for there are few things so catching as anxiety, except enthusiasm; he, too, had risen, and was standing in an attitude of expectancy.
“Lady Bellamy to see yer,” said Mrs. Jakes, pushing her head through the half-opened door.
Next second she had entered.
“I must apologise for disturbing you at dinner, Angela,” she began hurriedly, and then stopped and also stood still. There was something very curious about her reception, she thought; both Mr. Fraser and Angela might have been cut out of stone, for neither moved.
Standing thus in the silence of expectancy, the three made a strange picture. On Lady Bellamy’s face there was a look of stern determination and suppressed excitement such as became one about to commit a crime.
At last she broke the silence.