"She is that!" Biddy interjected.
"And therefore this interview must be arranged as best it can. On your life, don't say a word to either of them about his lordship being here!"
Biddy's hesitation was only momentary; she promised, and fled from the room.
When St. Alleyne came in I saw he had not had much sleep and that his nerves were on the rack, but his manner was as unperturbed as ever. He sat down on the side of my bed and looked at me curiously.
"How are you?" he asked.
"Perfectly well," I answered; "don't I look it?"
"You look a bit flushed, that's all."
"And with good cause. Miss O'Callaghan will be here in half an hour."
"Thank God!" he said, and walked to the window. He stood silently with his back to me for some time, looking down into the street. Then he said, "How are you going to manage the interview?"
"I don't know; if you worry me I shall make a mess of it."