Just then Mrs.Forel came out upon the landing, and when the girl she spoke to turned.

Alton saw that Alice Deringham was looking down on him.

For a moment there was a brightness in his eyes, but it faded suddenly, and while his knee bent under him he set his lips as with pain.

Then he stumbled, and clung to the balustrade.

For a moment he dare not look up, and when he did so there was a flush on his forehead which slowly died away as he saw the face of the girl.
She had also laid her hand as if for support upon the balustrade, for it was unfortunate she had not been told that one effect of Alton's injury would be permanent.