The girl ran for the hat, and Mrs. Armine, who had lighted all the candles, sat down before the glass. She remembered Nigel's desire expressed to her that day that she would give up "doing things" to her face. Well, she would respond to it in this way!
Very carefully and cleverly she began to whiten her face, to touch up her eyes and her narrow, definite eyebrows.
"All is ready, madame!"
Marie was standing at the dressing-room door; she started and swung round on her heels as there came a knock at the door of the bedroom, the creak of the handle turning.
"Be quiet!"
Mrs. Armine had caught her arm. The girl stood still, staring and marvelling, while her mistress went noiselessly into the bedroom and sat down on the far side of the bed, leaning backwards till her head was near the pillows, which she took care not to touch.
"Ruby! Ruby!"
"What is it? Who's there? Who's there?"
The voice that replied sounded both languid and surprised.
"I—Nigel!"