Vane checked his headlong speed as he caught sight of the two figures upon the piazza; but, as he entered the grounds of the hotel, both ladies could see that his face was frightful in its ghastliness. Instinctively they knew that he was the bearer of evil tidings.
Arriving at the steps, he threw his bridle to a man who approached to take his horse, then turned to enter the hotel.
"Vane—you have—news!" his mother said, in an awe-stricken voice, as she went forward to meet him.
He glanced up at her, and the sympathy and love written on her gentle face seemed to unman him for a moment.
He staggered, reeled, and then caught at a post, while he put his hand to his head and groaned aloud with anguish.
"Tell me," gasped Mrs. Mencke, coming toward him, her own face now as white as his, "have you heard anything of—Violet?"
He nodded, but hid his face from the gaze of the two women, while a shudder shook him from head to foot; then he said, in a hollow tone:
"Yes—she is found."
"Found!" repeated his startled hearers, in shrill, tense voices. "Where? Alive?"
He shook his head at that last word.