"It's Miss Chester, sir! She was all right when I called her this morning, but when I went up again . . ."
Chris caught his breath with a sob of relief. Only Aunt Madge! Thank God nothing was wrong with Marie.
"I'll come at once," he said, not waiting to hear any more. "Send for a doctor, and I'll come at once."
He hung up the receiver and sent for a taxi. He was home in less than ten minutes, to find the doctor's car at the gate. He ran up the steps hastily and was met by Greyson, who was crying bitterly.
"Well, how is she?" he asked.
"She's dead, sir," she told him, sobbing. "She was dead when I 'phoned you. I tried to tell you on the 'phone, but you wouldn't let me."
"Dead!" The news came as an awful shock to Chris. He stood quite still, his heart slowing down sickeningly; then he went on and up the stairs to Miss Chester's room.
He had expected to find Marie there, but only the doctor and housekeeper stood by the bed.
Miss Chester was lying just as if she were asleep, her white hair parted smoothly on either side of her face, and a little smile on her lips, as if behind her closed lids she was looking into the future and could see something that pleased her well.
Chris stood silently looking down at her. He had been very fond of her and she had always been very good to him. There was an uncomfortable tightness in his throat.