But she fastened her wraps at her throat and let her veil fall over her face again. “I am not ill,� she said bitterly, “only heart-broken.�
He urged her to taste the cordial in his hand, but she put it aside and went to the door. The old man followed her.
“Letty,� he said, “David Royall is very ill; do not lay another sin against him on your conscience.�
She had opened the door and, at his words, turned and laid her cheek against the lintel with a hard dry sob. “I will see Diana,� she said.
The doctor made no reply; his quick ear had caught the sound of a step on the veranda, and almost at the same moment Caleb Trench appeared in the lighted space before the open door.
“What is it, Caleb?� the doctor asked quickly.
The young man glanced at the tall woman who still leaned against the door. “I’ve just got back from town,� he said, “and I wanted to ask you about Colonel Royall. I hear that he is ill.�
The woman started and drew away, and Caleb saw it.
Dr. Cheyney shook his head apprehensively. “Very ill,� he said; “he was taken with a sinking spell about noon. Come in, Caleb, and I’ll tell you about it.�
Trench stood aside to let the veiled woman pass out, and then he followed Dr. Cheyney into the study with a face of some anxiety. He looked worn and old for his years, but resolutely calm. “How do you think he really is?� he asked.