"Then...

he is not dead," she said, more because she felt that she must say something than because her words fitted the occasion.
"Not yet," said Diana grimly.
"Not yet ?" "He sups to-night at Mr.Newlington's," Miss Horton exclaimed in a voice pregnant with meaning.
"Ah!" It was a cry from Ruth, sharp as if she had been stabbed.

She sank back to her seat by the window, smitten down by this sudden news.
There was a pause, which fretted Diana, who now craved knowledge of what might be passing in her cousin's mind.

She advanced towards Ruth and laid a trembling hand on her shoulder, where the white gown met the ivory neck.

"He must be warned," she said.
"But.., but how ?" stammered Ruth.