I suppose you can be ready ?' 'Yes, I can be ready,' Adela answered mechanically.
He drove back with her to Avenue Road in the Rodmans' carriage, and left her at the door.
Mr.Westlake was expected home to-night, but had telegraphed to say that he would return in the morning.

Stella had spent the evening alone; Adela found her in the boudoir with a single lamp, reading.
'Are you still feverish ?' Stella asked, putting to her cheek the ungloved hand.
'I think not--I can't say.' Stella waited to hear something about the evening, but Adela broke the silence to say: 'I must leave at ten in the morning.

My husband will call for me.' 'So early ?' 'Yes.' There was silence again.
'Will you come and see me before long, Stella ?' 'I will,' was the gentle reply.
'Thank you.

I shall look forward to it very much.' Then Adela said good-night, speaking more cheerfully.
In her bedroom she sat as before dinner.

The fever had subsided during the past two hours, but now it crept into her blood again, insidious, tingling.