"It would," said the lady, with a bewildered air. "Well, shall we go in to your dear mother? She expects me, I believe. My name is Miss Rubina Strange."
"Oh," said William, "she's ill. She said I was to tell you. She can't see you. She's very ill."
"Ill? I am so sorry. But I would like to go to her. Perhaps I could do something for her."
"No you can't," said William, "no one can. It's too late."
"But—have you had the doctor?"
"Yes—he says it's too late to do anything."
"Good Heavens! She's not——?"
"Yes, she's dyin' all right," said William.
"But can't anything be done? This is dreadful! I feel absolutely heart-broken. I must just come into the house. There's surely something I can do!"
William followed her into the house. Mr. Monkton Graham had not expected this. He was standing by the window of his study waiting till Miss Rubina Strange should depart. When he saw her about to enter the room, he did the only possible thing. He disappeared.