"A visitor for you, sir—just come, and a-foot; a lady, sir. She will not give her name, but wishes to see you most particular, if you please."
"A lady! To see me?"
The invalid opens his great, dark eyes in wonder as he speaks.
"Yes, sir; an English lady, sir, dressed in black, and a wearing of a thick veil. She asked for Mr. Rupert Thetford as soon as she see me, as plain, as plain, sir——"
The young man in the chair started, half rose, and then sank back—a wild, eager light lit in the hollow eyes.
"Let her come in; I will see her!"
The man disappeared; there was an instant's pause, then a tall, slender figure, draped and veiled in black, entered alone.
The visitor stood still. Once more the invalid attempted to rise, once more his strength failed him. The lady threw back her veil with a sudden motion.
"My God, Aileen!"
"Rupert!"