Eugénie could not help a tremulous smile; then she resumed:
'The picture had come—just come. It was that which saved him. Ah, yes'—the smile flashed out again—'I had forgotten! Of course Mrs. Fenwick must know! It was the picture—it was she that saved him. But your note, by some strange accident, had escaped him. It had fallen out, among some other papers on the floor—and he was nearly beside himself with disappointment. I was lucky enough to find it and give it him. But oh! it was pitiful to see him.'
She shaded her eyes with her hand a moment, waiting for composure.
Miss Anna watched her, the strong mouth softening unconsciously.
'And so, when he asked me to come and see his wife first—to tell her about his troubles and his breakdown—I felt as if I could not refuse—though, of course, I know'—she looked up appealingly—'it may well seem strange and intrusive to Mrs. Fenwick. But perhaps when she understands how we have all been searching for her these many months—'
'Searching!' exclaimed Miss Anna. 'Who has been searching?'
Her question arrested her companion. Eugénie drew herself more erect, collecting her thoughts.
'Shall we face the facts as they are?' she said at last, quietly. 'I can tell you very shortly how the case stands.'
Miss Anna half-rose, looked at the door, sat down again.
'Mrs. Fenwick, you understand, may return at any time!'
'I will be very short. We must consult—mustn't we?—for them both?'