He fell thoughtful a moment.

Then: "Will you send word to Mistress Winthrop that I am here, and would speak with her, Humphries ?" Humphries conducted Mr.Caryll to the little white and gold withdrawing-room that was Hortensia's.

There, in the little time that he waited, he revolved the situation as it now stood, and the temptation that had been with him for the past three days rose up now with a greater vigor.

Should Lord Ostermore die, Temptation argued, he need no longer hesitate.

Hortensia would be as much alone in the world as he was; worse, for life at Stretton House with her ladyship--from which even in the earl's lifetime she had been led to attempt to escape--must be a thing unbearable, and what alternative could he suggest but that she should become his wife?
She came to him presently, white-faced and with startled eyes.