"Yes." And John disappeared into the outer office.
A few minutes later he again put in his head. "Mr. Mordaunt, a lady wishes to see you; shall I show her in?"
"Certainly."
The door was flung open, and Violet Easton entered.
So sudden and unexpected was her appearance that Jack had to grasp the desk to steady himself. Really, he thought, my nerves must be frightfully unstrung. I think I must take a holiday. Aloud, he said: "Why, Miss Easton, this is a most unexpected pleasure. Won't you be seated? Can I be of any service to you?"
He drew a chair up for her, and she took it, and he sank back into his own.
And now for the first time he had an opportunity to look at her, for she had pushed up the heavy veil that covered her face.
She looked ghastly white, and heavy black rings were round her eyes, "Miss Easton, you look ill. Can I get you anything?"
"Oh no. I am not ill."
He said no more, but waited for her to speak. At last she did. "Mr. Mordaunt, I thought a long time before troubling you, but I decided that as it was purely a