A few minutes later the usher returned.

"Did you give it to her?" asked Palmer eagerly.

"Yes, sir."

"Did she send an answer?"

"Here it is."

It was a small scrap of paper, folded diagonally.

Palmer opened and read it, his heart beating with feverish excitement. Then he smiled.

"Shall I read it to you, Robert?" he asked.

"Yes, if you like."