"I do insist," answered Inez steadily. "Come."
She led her to a door down the corridor and rapped. How horribly thick and fast Edith's heart beat; she hated herself for it. The door opened, and the grave, professional face of Mr. Jamison looked out.
"Tell Sir Victor, Lady Catheron is here, and will see him."
The man bowed and departed. Another instant and he was again before them:
"Sir Victor begs my lady to enter at once."
Then Inez Catheron took her in her arms and kissed her. It was her farewell. She pointed forward and hurried away.
Edith went on. A door and curtain separated her from the inner room. She opened one, lifted the other, and husband and wife were face to face.
He lay upon a low sofa—the room was partially darkened, but even in that semi-darkness she could see that he looked quite as ghastly and bloodless this morning as he had last night.
She paused about half way down the room and spoke: "You wished to see me, Sir Victor Catheron?"
Cold and calm the formal words fell.