"There is still a light in Marie's room," he said. "I will just go in and see how she is."
Mildred lingered outside, and he tapped gently, then entered. The draught between door and window blew the flame of the candle about. But inside the electric light burned steadily, only there was no one there.
"She is not there," he said; "nor has she been to bed."
"She, perhaps, is with Maud," she said. "I have not seen Maud all the evening."
The others had dispersed to their rooms, and while Mildred rustled down the passage to go to Maud, Jack remained where he was, in the doorway of Marie's room, which communicated with his. Suddenly in the hall below he saw a light, and to his annoyance observed Mildred's husband shuffling along in his slippers. He came to the bottom of the stairs, and slowly began to ascend. Simultaneously he heard the rustle of Mildred's dress returning. He beckoned her silently into Marie's room, and closed the door softly.
"Maud is not there, either," she whispered.
"Are they out, do you think, in the garden?" said he. "Wait; she may be in my room."
He went to the door communicating and opened it. On the table was lying a note addressed to him; he took it up and read it. "Mildred!" he called out, and she appeared in the doorway. "I have found this," he said, and handed it to her.
Then whatever there was of good in the strong and brutal part of the woman came out. She read it without a tremor, and faced him again.
"That is the worst of having scenes out of doors," she said. "What next, Jack?"
He put down his candle; his hand was not so steady as hers.
"What next?" he cried. "It is gone; everything is gone, except you and I."
He took two rapid steps towards her, when both paused. Some one had tapped at his door, and, without speaking, he pointed to the half-open door into Marie's room. Then he flung off his coat and waistcoat. Just then the tap was repeated.
"So sorry to disturb you," he said, "but I must tell them what time you want breakfast. You merely said you wished to go early."
"Oh, half-past eight will do for me," said Jack. "I can get up to town by ten, which is all I want."
Lord Brereton advanced very slowly and methodically across to the table.
"She is with Marie," said the other, not pausing, "who I am afraid is very unwell. Mildred came in here just now to speak to me; I did not see she had forgotten it."