AN UNEXPECTED DISMISSAL The shades had been drawn closely to exclude the sun, and, for a moment after he first crossed the threshold of the library, West was unable to distinguish any occupant.

He heard Sexton silently close the door behind him, but it was not until she moved slightly that he was able to perceive her presence directly across from where he stood.

Her voice broke the silence.
"You will find a seat next to the window, Captain," she said quietly.

"It was very good of you to come." "The pleasure was mine," he replied.

"Only I am blinded coming in here from the bright sunshine without." "I have had a touch of headache--nervous, no doubt, from the visit this morning--and so ordered Sexton to draw the shades.