The servant, who had entered unobserved, coughed deprecatingly. "Her ladyship sends her excuses, sir," he said, "and says she will write you later." He ushered the young man to the outer door.
Upon the top step Van Ingen halted stiffly. He found himself face to face with Poltavo.
The count greeted him gravely. "A sad business!" he murmured. "You have seen the ladies? How does Miss Grayson bear it? She is well?"
Van Ingen gazed at him darkly. "Your note recovered her!" he said with harsh bitterness.
"Mine!" Surprise was in the count's voice. "But I have not written. I am come in person."
Cord's face expressed scornful incredulity. He lifted his hat grimly and descended the steps.
The footman who had shown Van Ingen to the door ushered the count into the morning-room, replenished the fire in the grate which had burned low, and departed noiselessly.
The newcomer sank wearily into a deep chair, and closed his eyes. He looked spent and haggard, as if his night had been a sleepless one. The clear olive of his skin showed slightly sallow, and fine wire-lines were etched about his eyes. Perhaps he did not hear the light footfalls which approached.
Doris came nearer, soft-footed, and pausing before the fire, regarded him with deep attention. She had changed into a dark dress which accentuated her youth and slenderness.
The count opened his eyes and looked at her. A slight smile touched his lips. "I was dreaming of you!" he murmured softly. He sprang to his feet. "Forgive me!" he exclaimed contritely. "I must have dozed. I had a wakeful night."
She gave him her hand. "And I disturbed you with my message!"
"I was glad to come," he replied simply. "But you--this terrible news!" He released her hand and fell back a pace, scrutinising her sharply. "But you do not look sad! And yet your letter--the morning paper which I bought upon the way--it is not true, then?"
"Something is true--but not--not the ghastly thing I feared when I wrote you." She seated herself, and the count resumed his chair by the fire. His face was hidden in the shadows. "You mean that your father----"
"Is alive and well!" Her voice quivered and broke. Two shining tears trembled for a moment upon her lashes., and then sped down her cheeks. Others followed. She smiled through them. "I am so happy--so thankful!" she murmured.