As he walked beside her down the platform of Victoria Station, she said to him:
"I shall be obliged if you will tell Evelyn that I have returned."
"I go to her at once."
She suddenly paused, and he saw that she was looking helplessly at one of the newspaper placards of the night before. First among its items appeared: "Critical state of Lord Lackington."
He hardly knew how far she would allow him to have any further communication with her, but her pale exhaustion made it impossible not to offer to serve her.
"It would be early to go for news now," he said, gently. "It would disturb the house. But in a couple of hours from now"--the station clock pointed to 6.15--"if you will allow me, I will leave the morning bulletin at your door."
She hesitated.
"You must rest, or you will have no strength for nursing," he continued, in the same studiously guarded tone. "But if you would prefer another messenger--"
"I have none," and she raised her hand to her brow in mute, unconscious confession of an utter weakness and bewilderment.
"Then let me go," he said, softly.