I doubt if 'twill bear the delay of a night." Indeed, Will Law had hitherto hardly paused to reflect how unusual was this message, from such a person, to such address, and at such an hour.
The butler hesitated, and so did the unbidden guest at the door.

Neither heard at first the light rustle of garments at the head of the stair, nor saw the face bent over the balustrade in the shadows of the hall.
"What is it, James ?" asked a voice from above.
"A message for the Lady Catharine," replied the servant.

"Said to be important.

What should I do ?" "Lady Catharine Knollys is away," said the soft voice of Mary Connynge, speaking from the stair.

Her voice came nearer as she now descended and appeared at the first landing.
"We may crave your pardon, sir," said she, "that we receive you so ill, but the hour is very late.