Then, having nibbled very half-heartedly at the breakfast provided, she arose with a great sigh, and began to prepare for whatever might lie before her.
Dressed at length, she sat down by the open window to wait--and wonder.
The click of the garden gate fell suddenly across her meditations, and she drew back sharply out of sight.

He was entering.
She heard his leisurely footfall on the tiles and then his quiet voice below.

Her heart began to thump with thick, uncertain beats.

She was horribly afraid.
Yet when she heard the old woman ascending the stairs, she had the courage to go to the door and open it.
Mr.Caryl was in the parlour, she was told.

He would be glad to see her at her convenience.
"I will go to him," she said, and forthwith descended to meet her fate.
He stood by the window when she entered, but wheeled round at once with his back to the light.