They traversed the corridor, knocked at the door of Lady Hunterleys' apartment, and in response to a somewhat hesitating invitation, entered.

Violet was lying upon the sofa.

She looked up eagerly at their coming.
"Linda!" she exclaimed.

"How dear of you! I thought that it might have been Henry," she added, as though to explain the disappointment in her tone.
Draconmeyer turned away to hide his expression.
"Talk to her as lightly as possible," he whispered to his wife, "but don't leave her alone.

I will come back for you in ten minutes." He left the two women together and descended into the hall.