He did not leave the house during the whole day. Almost feverishly he listened to every sound. No footstep passed unnoticed, no caller but was anxiously scanned. Every time the telephone bell rang, he rushed to it with fast-beating heart, only to heave a sigh of relief when he discovered that there was no message concerning the things which haunted his mind.
Still another night passed, and still nothing happened. He was beginning to hope that Romanoff had been playing a practical joke on him, and that all his fears were groundless.
Then just before noon the blow came.
The telephone bell tinkled innocently near him, and on putting the instrument to his ear he heard Mr. Bidlake's voice.
"Is that you, Mr. Faversham?
"Mr. Faversham speaking. You are Mr. Bidlake, aren't you?"
"Yes."
This was followed by a cough; then the lawyer spoke again.
"Will you be home this afternoon?"
"Yes."