Sylvester looked from one to the other in silence.
“I did not expect to see you here, Miss Defries,” he said at last.
Ella drew herself up haughtily. “I am the sole mistress of my actions,” she said. “What I choose to do is not your concern, Dr. Lanyon.” For the moment indignation checked natural wonder at his presence. Sylvester regarded her sternly. His dark face seemed chiselled out of wood.
“Unfortunately, it is of vital concern to me,” he replied. “But I apologise a thousand times for interrupting you.” He turned to Roderick, over whose face a pallor was spreading. “A friend of mine would like to speak to you for a few moments.”
“I am sorry I am not at his disposal,” returned Roderick, with a forced laugh.
“You would hardly care to discuss the matter with him here,” said Sylvester.
Roderick consulted his watch. The spark of hope died out. There were still ten minutes before the train would start.
“Remember our compact,” said he. “You guaranteed I should be annoyed no further. This is a breach of faith.”
Ella leaned before the window, obscuring Roderick from the other's view.
“How dare you intrude in this unwarrantable manner?”