She seems altered, spiritualised, refined, incorporealised in her marvellously weird-like beauty, and her husband cannot remove his rapt gaze from her. But presently a single turn of his head changes his glance of admiration into one of surprise and anger. In the shade of a gigantic azalea he spies Captain Walter Reeves, standing in an attitude of calm listening enjoyment. Instantly the Admiral's eye flashes with indignation. How dares Walter Reeves to be here, in his wife's drawing-room, when he ought to be miles away out on the stormy seas?
In an instant the offender is called out of the room, and Sir Herbert demands to know why he has disobeyed orders by staying on shore.
'I have had no orders to weigh anchor, Sir Herbert.'
'Perhaps the order is still lying on your cabin table; it was issued at ten o'clock this morning.'
'No despatch has reached the Leo, for I've been on board all day, Sir Herbert, and came direct to Government House.'
'Very strange, very! There must be some terrible mistake in the matter. Is Mr Grey here to-night?'
'No, Sir Herbert.'
'I must see him at once. The subject admits of no delay.'
'Shall I go to North Street, and fetch him here?'
The Admiral pauses for a moment, and takes a survey of Walter from head to foot. He notes the velvet suit, the delicate lace ruffles, the Montero cap, the large plume of feathers, the dark cloak set so jauntily on his shoulder, the thin shining shoes, and the huge glittering buckles; and a soupçon of contempt glances from his eyes, a slight sneer trembles on his lip. 'I think I am more fitted to brave the storm than you are to-night, so I'll go to Mr Grey myself.' Then without another word, he walks down the stairs, and passes out into the wind and rain. The house in North Street is closed for the night, and Mrs Grey and Helen are sleeping the sleep of the quiet-minded. Only the master of the house is still up, and he is finishing a cigar in his library. He starts up in alarm when he hears the authoritative knock at the door, and visions of fire and thieves start up before him. His alarm is in no whit lessened when he sees his august son-in-law on the steps.