The woman's eyes scanned her white face interestedly.
"I think he is," she said. "Do you know which are his rooms, or shall I take you up?"
"Thank you; I know." She had never been in the house before, but she had heard a great deal about his rooms from Chris, and she went up the staircase in the darkness, her heart shaken with a wild sort of happiness, and reached the landing above.
The door of Feathers' sitting-room stood open, and he was standing 258 at the table in his old tweed jacket, packing some papers away in a box.
He had not heard Marie's step, and he did not move or glance up till she was actually in the room and had whispered his name.
"Mr. Dakers!"
He started then as if he had heard a voice from the dead. He had been thinking of her a moment ago, and his face was white as he stared at her across the table. Then he took a swift step forward.
"Mrs. Lawless! Good heavens! Is anything the matter?"
He drew her into the room and closed the door.
"Chris? Where is he?" he asked hoarsely.