It was her scoundrel brother; yet spite of all the distress and anguish of mind he was causing her, she was conscious of a thrill of sisterly pride in his handsome face and form, and the grace and ease of his horsemanship.
But she must seize this unhoped-for opportunity; there were motives she could urge which escaped her thoughts the previous night, and that might, perhaps, have weight with him; and much now depended upon prompt action on her part.
She flew down the stairs and admitted him herself, before he had had time to ring; and fortunately no servant had perceived his approach.
He looked at her in extreme surprise.
"How is this?" he inquired, with an ill-natured sneer, "have you been promoted to the office of porter?"
"Hush!" she answered, in an imperative whisper. "Come in here;" and she led the way into a little parlor close at hand.
"Excuse the impertinence, Madame, but I did not come to see you," he said angrily, as he followed her in.
"I am well aware of that fact," she said in a calm tone of quiet firmness, as she turned and faced him. "Nevertheless, I believe I am the one, and the only one you will see; and it is well, for I have something of importance to say."
"Where is Miss Marsden?" he demanded.