It is half-past twelve. I can hardly
be back in less than an hour and a half. No doubt, Mr. Quarrier will
come with me."
"How good you are, dear Mrs. Wade! Oh, if you can save him!"
"Trust me, and try to sit quietly. Now, I will be off at once."
She pressed the hand that was held to her, nodded, and left the
room.
CHAPTER XXII
It was striking one when Mrs. Wade came in sight of the Quarriers'
house. At this hour Quarrier was expected at home for luncheon. He
arrived whilst the visitor still waited for an answer to her ring at
the door.
"But haven't you seen Lily? She told me"----
"Yes, I have seen her. She is at the cottage."
A peculiarity in her tone arrested his attention, and the look of
joyous excitement which had been fixed upon his face these last few
days changed to anxious inquiry.
"What's the matter?"
"She is quite well--don't imagine accidents. But I must speak to
you in private."
The door had opened. Denzil led straightway to the library, where he
flung aside hat and overcoat.
"What is it, Mrs. Wade?"
She stood close before him, her eyes on his. The rapid walk had
brought colour to her cheek, and perhaps to the same cause was
attributable her quickened breathing.
"Lily has been discovered by an enemy of hers and yours. A man named
Northway."
"Damnation!"
He felt far too strongly to moderate his utterance out of regard for
the listener.
Pages:
262
263
264
265
266
267
268
269
270
271
272
273
274
275
276
277
278
279
280
281
282
283
284
285
286