Nevertheless, I persevered in the attempt, and in due time reached the beach.
On the flat slab of rock at the bottom of the steps I paused. The tide was fast coming in, and the first waves were gently rocking the boat, that still lay where we had before seen it, in the little bay beneath the cliff.
The sun beat fiercely down upon my head and sparkled upon the crests of the waves, until the whole surface of the water resembled a sea of burnished silver. Presently my eyes lighted upon something that roused in me a momentary curiosity. The beach, as I have previously said, was composed of small, grey pebbles; but about ten feet from the foot of the cliff lay a patch of hard sand, some twelve feet square, its smooth, yellow surface showing plainer by reason of the slate-coloured shingle surrounding it. How it had come in such a place was beyond my imagination to fathom.
For some minutes I stood gazing over the sea; then, turning, I retraced my steps, and passing idly through the sunlit gardens, reached the house.
It wanted a few minutes to the hour when I entered the dining hall, and I saw that my instructions had been obeyed.
In the centre of the room, a table, laden with massive silver plate, had been set out for three. I laid aside my hat and sword and waited for my guests’ appearance with a heart that beat more rapidly than was its wont.
Nevertheless, it was five minutes past the hour of noon when the steward appeared in the doorway.
“How is this?” I said curtly. “You carried my message?”
“My ladies would know if you command their presence?” he answered slowly.
“Aye,” I cried impatiently. “Command them, then, in the devil’s name!”