There was a darkening of the doorway, a rustle of garments, and Mrs. Llewellyn advanced with outstretched hands.
Sir Lewin stared in blank amazement. Allan smiled.
"I was in the cab," went on the lady, "waiting for Edith. Mr. Fortescue kindly drove with me from the station, and I had intended to travel down with her, trusting, my dear Lewin, to your hospitality to put me up for the night. I am so sorry I have been unable to return before, to be with the dear child all the time."
She had talked us all to the drawing-room door.
"I still quite fail to see," began Sir Lewin, stiffly, "how Mr. Fortescue——"
"I will explain," said Lady Maxwell. She had come down the stairs unheard, and now advanced towards us. Her face was as white as the gown she wore, her eyes looked wild and startled. "Come with me," she added to Sir Lewin, and led the way to a small back room. He followed her without a word.
"Pay the cab," said Mrs. Llewellyn, cheerfully, to the servant, "and bring all those packages in. Sir Lewin and Lady Maxwell will remain to dinner. Mr. Greyling and Mr. Fortescue, please come in, and let me offer you some refreshment."
She moved towards the dining-room and, the door being safely closed, fell gasping into a chair. There was wine upon the side-board; Allan poured some into a glass and brought it to her. She sighed heavily as she took it. "How all this is to end, Heaven only knows!"
"I think," said Allan, "there is nothing further for me to do. If you will allow me I will bid you good-night."
She looked at him curiously, the wineglass half-way to her lips.