"I will see him, of course?"
Floriot wiped his forehead with his handkerchief and returned it to his pocket. Then he replied more calmly.
"Certainly! In the morning. He can't be disturbed to-night."
There was another long pause broken by Noel.
"Don't tell your wife I'm here," he said. "I want to see her face when she comes in and sees me!" He walked slowly across the room with his back to his friend.
"You—won't see her," was the low reply. Noel turned quickly.
"Oh, she's away?"
Floriot leaned forward, his elbows on his knees and his face buried in his hands.
"Yes, she's—gone!"
"Gone!" echoed Noel in bewildered astonishment.