“I hear the voice,” said Maud, “the voice of the angel that has come from Heaven to speak words of kindness to poor Mad Maud.”
“By the memory of William Heriot,” said Ada, “do not speak or move till I come to you again.”
Ada then left the room for the purpose of ascertaining in what room Jacob Gray was staying. With an assumed carelessness of step and manner she walked into the rooms on the ground floor, but in none of them was Jacob Gray; she then ascended the staircase, and as she neared the top of the crazy flight, a door was suddenly opened upon the landing, and Gray appeared.
Ada paused, and they regarded each other for a few moments in silence. Then Gray said, in a low tone,—
“Nothing has happened, Ada? No alarm?”
“No alarm,” said Ada, answering his last question; “wait for me below, we must have some talk to-day.”
“To-day?”
“Yes, I promise but from month to month—to-day the month expires,” said Ada.
“It does, but the promise will be renewed.”
“Stay where you are,” said Ada, “I will come to you in a short time.”