“What will be the approach of old age to her?”
There was a suspicion of bitterness in his voice.
“The coming of the King of Terrors,” said Pierce. “But she cannot hear his footsteps yet.”
“They are loud enough in some ears. Ah, we, are at your door already?”
“Will you be good-natured and come in for a little while?”
“I’m afraid—isn’t it rather late?”
“Only half-past eleven.”
“Well, thank you.”
They stepped into the little hall. As they did so a valet appeared at the head of the stairs leading to the servants’ quarters.
“If you please, sir,” he said to Pierce, “this note has just come. I was to ask if you would read it directly you returned.”