"She died—in hospital—half an hour ago."
There was a tragic silence, then Faith stumbled backwards, catching at the balusters to save herself from falling. Her face was frozen with horror. She stared at her husband with fascinated eyes.
Then he seemed to awaken again to the desperate situation still confronting him; he caught her by both shoulders, shaking her savagely in his rage and despair.
"You were going—with Digby.... My God! I'll kill him—I'll——"
He broke off as the silence of the night outside was pierced by the shrill sound of a man's whistle.
For an instant neither of them moved. Then slowly, as if with difficulty, Forrester released her and turned towards the door.
Faith felt as if she were turned to stone. Then suddenly she rushed after him; she fell on her knees, catching at his hand.
"No—no ... I beg you ... no ... no.... Oh, if you ever loved me...."
He looked down at her upturned face, and his own writhed in desperate pain.
"If—I—ever—loved—you!" he echoed. Then he stooped, wrenched himself free of her, flung open the door and was gone out into the night.