As she perceived Captain Boyson there was a quick, startled movement; she bent a moment over the staircase, as though to make sure of his identity, and then ran along the gallery to a room at the farther end. As she opened the door a damp cold air streamed upon her, and the thunder of the Falls, with which the hotel is perpetually filled, seemed to redouble.
Three large windows opposite to her were, in fact, wide open; the room, with its lights dimmed by fog, seemed hung above the abyss.
An invalid couch stood in front of the window, and upon it lay a pale, emaciated woman, breathing quickly and feebly. At the sound of the closing door, Madeleine Verrier turned.
"Oh, Daphne, I was afraid you had gone out! You do such wild things!"
Daphne Barnes came to the side of the couch.
"Darling, I only went to speak to your maid for a moment. Are you sure you can stand all this damp fog?"
As she spoke Daphne took up a fur cloak lying on a chair near, and wrapped herself warmly in it.
"I can't breathe when they shut the windows. But it is too cold for you."
"Oh, I'm all right in this." Daphne drew the cloak round her.
Inwardly she said to herself, "Shall I tell her the Boysons are here? Yes, I must. She is sure to hear it in some way."