Suddenly both started; they heard a footfall behind them. Some one had entered the room.
CHAPTER II.
[FOUL PLAY?]
The two men turned quickly round. The light of the lamp fell on the black dress of the woman and sparkled on her diamonds. Her arms hung down by her side. Both hands were clenched. She advanced with a steady, slow step, her eyes firmly fixed on Dr. Santley's face. She did not glance at Paulton. She did not glance at the couch.
"You were long," she said, in a slow, constrained voice, "and I came in to know."
She rested the tips of the fingers of one hand on the table and kept her eyes fixed on the doctor.
"I think," said Santley, placing himself between her and the couch, "that it would be better if we went into some other room."
"We cannot; this must serve. All the other rooms are locked up, except my bed room, and my husband has the keys."
Her voice did not falter.
"Has Mr. ----, your husband, been long ill?"