And with that ejaculation, half an uttered shiver, half a muttered curse, she gave herself to the fog, and was gone.
Doctor Levillier stood for a moment looking into the vague and dreamy darkness. Then he put on his coat and hat, caught up a cab whistle, and with a breath, sent a shrill and piercing note into the night. Long and mournfully it sounded. And only the moist silence answered like that paradox—a voice that is dumb. Again and again the cry went forth, and at last there was an answering rattle. Two bright eyes advanced in the fog very slowly, looking for the sound, it seemed, as for a thing visible. The doctor got into the cab, and set forth in the fog to visit Valentine.
CHAPTER II
THE VOICE IN THE EMPTY ROOM
When the doctor arrived at the Victoria Street flat Valentine's man answered his ring. Wade had been with Valentine for many years and was always famous for his great devotion to, and admiration of, his master. Wade was also especially partial—as he would have expressed himself—to Doctor Levillier, and when he saw who the visitor was, his face relaxed into contentment that strongly suggested a smile.
"Back at last Wade, you see," the doctor said, cheerfully. "Is Mr.
Cresswell in?"
"No, sir. But I expect him every minute to dress for dinner. He's dining out, and it's near seven now. Will you come in and wait?"
"Yes."
The doctor entered and walked into the drawing-room, preceded by Wade, who turned on the light.
"Why! what have you been doing to the room?" the doctor said, looking round in some surprise. "Dear me. It's very much altered."