“M-m-m!” she murmured, commencing to climb.

Under the skylight a caged bird was singing shrilly.

As much to listen, as to brush something to her cheeks, Miss Sinquier paused.

If a microscopic mirror could be relied upon she had seldom looked so well.

Scrambling up the remaining stairs with alacrity, she knocked.

A maid with her head wreathed in curl-papers answered the door, surveying the visitor first through a muslin blind.

Miss Sinquier pulled out a card.

“Is Mrs. Bromley in?” she asked.

The woman gazed at her feet.

“Mrs. Bromley’s gone!” she replied.